2018 NBA Mock Draft: What’s in store for the second round?

It’s a prerequisite for any Brooklyn draft pick to have shooting ability, and Metu is one of the few guys in this range who seems legitimately likely to become a plus floor-spacer.

Even with the defense completely keyed into him with Bennie Boatwright and De’Anthony Melton out most of this year, Metu was consistent. He upped his usage and scoring totals without sacrificing much efficiency, mostly boosted by his shooting 68.3 percent at the rim. The area in which he made the longest strides on offense were his shooting touch, increasing his free-throw percentage by nearly 20 percent in three years at USC and making 12/40 shots from deep as a junior.

Metu is also a tremendous shot blocker, leaping instantaneously from the weak side when trouble arises near the rim. His block percentage also increased from his sophomore to junior seasons, ending at 6.3 percent this year. When you think about a core big man skill set, Metu’s base statistical profile stands out.

Brooklyn has Jarrett Allen already in a similar mold, and I would imagine they would make Metu a center because of his defensive limitations outside of rim protection. Developing those two in the frontcourt would be a tremendous investment picking later than 22 in the last two drafts.