NBA Mock Draft: Jaren Jackson Jr. could help end the Magic’s never-ending rebuild
29. . F/C. USC. chimezie metu. 25. player
I still believe that Metu makes sense in the first round for a smart team like the Spurs that can put him in advantageous situations for each skill in his ridiculous tool belt.
Despite not having top-flight athleticism, Metu has become an elite college player in coach Andy Enfield’s sytem as a passer, finisher and rim-protector. Enfield runs some stuff that looks quite a bit like a pro-level motion offense, with several screens in one halfcourt possession and the ball pinging in and out all the time. Metu has become a hub at the elbow on offense and a last line of protection on defense.
The junior is averaging 23 points and 10 rebounds per 40 minutes on 56 percent shooting this season. He is also chipping in two assists and two blocks while playing 30 minutes per game and using a whopping 27 percent of the Trojans’ possessions when he is on the floor.
His age and subpar athleticism make him a worrisome prospect for some, but at some point consistent production and that well-rounded skill set win out. San Antonio will need big men with their whole rotation apart from LaMarcus Aldridge either on short deals or near retirement.