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Season Review: Chimezie Metu

Metu's made his frustrations with his constantly changing role clear, but his individual play wasn't exactly consistent in year four either.
By | 37 Comments | Apr 22, 2022

Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

Coming into the 2021-22 NBA season, Chimezie Metu’s role with the Sacramento Kings was unclear. The 6’9″ forward had earned an opportunity after impressing in his final stretch of the year prior, and he got that opportunity this season.

Metu played 1,279 minutes last year after recording a combined 738 minutes in his three prior years of experience. While Metu may have been displeased with his extremely inconsistent role between two different head coaches, he was given a chance to show what he can do more than ever before. But, it didn’t come without complications.

After not playing in the first 10 games of the season (aside from garbage time minutes on one occasion), Chimezie Metu played the next two games before head coach Luke Walton made the decision to then insert him into the starting lineup in place of Maurice Harkless.

Walton expressed his hopes that the change would improve Sacramento’s rebounding struggles and that the plan was to re-evaluate the performances with Metu starting after five games. In those five games, Metu averaged 10.2 points and 7.0 rebounds while shooting 36.5 percent from the field and 28.6 percent on 5.6 three-point attempts per game. The Kings went 1-4 and had lost seven of their last eight at that point.

Walton never got the chance to re-evaluate and share his thoughts on Metu’s potentially having a long-term role within the lineup. He was let go the morning after Metu’s fifth consecutive start, while Alvin Gentry stepped into the interim role for the remainder of the season.

Gentry went back to Harkless instantly and Metu did not see the floor in the following two games after those five starts. Then, Gentry went back towards Metu as a starter for another five consecutive games. Then, that run was followed by, you guessed it, two consecutive DNP-CDs before Metu was back on the floor.

It’s difficult for any player to catch a rhythm and develop a good understanding of what is specifically wanted from them on a nightly basis when they’re inexplicably jumping between playing 20+ minutes a night to zero with no real in between.

You could say that Chimezie Metu experienced what’s pretty close to the dictionary definition of a complicated, up-and-down season. There was everything from a buzzer-beating game-winner at Golden 1 Center to showings where he never had to take off his warmups.

In the minutes Metu did play, he was inconsistent in many aspects. As mentioned, Walton made it clear that he valued Metu’s ability to rebound effectively. Metu had mentioned early in the season that he felt his role was to be a 3&D type of player with a high motor. But, defining the strengths in Metu’s current game remains a tough task.

Yet, there may not have been a single moment where Metu’s motor or work ethic was publicly critiqued this season. In fact, his work ethic was praised fairly often. After knocking down the first game-winner of his career, Metu spoke to the media and then headed right back onto the practice court to get shots up. A positive work ethic, personality, and energy are essential but the on-court results were underwhelming.

In the 60 games that Metu played this season (20 as a starter), he averaged 8.9 points and 5.6 rebounds while converting 45.2 percent from the field and 30.6 percent from three on 3.1 attempts per night in his 21.3 minutes.

Complimenting De’Aaron Fox (and now Domantas Sabonis as well), is essential for any role player in Sacramento and that starts with being able to knock down triples at a decent rate. His final conversion rate of 30.6 percent left plenty to be desired, especially when you consider that opposing defenses were aggressively helping off of him and daring him to make them pay.

For that reason, 2.0 of the 3.1 threes that Metu attempted on average were considered “wide-open” (no defender within 6ft), per NBA.com. Believe it or not, Metu’s three-point percentage was actually worse on those attempts, a mere 28.6 percent.

NBA basketball can be a draining mental battle and it seemed like Metu experienced that for a majority of his 2021-22 season with the Kings. Between the aforementioned variance in minutes on a night-to-night basis and opposing defenses leaving him open, it’s easy to understand how frustration arose.

“I just want to go out there and prove that I should be playing every night, I mean, point blank period. If you ask me, I think I should be getting consistent minutes, so I’m just gonna go out there and prove that,” Metu told media on March 12th. “I’m just gonna go out there and produce and do what I know how to do and that’s just bring energy.”

Metu would find other slight ways to contribute on the nights when his shot wasn’t falling. He is extremely fluid at 6’9″ and occasionally displayed impressive flashes as a cutter, moments of putting the ball on the floor and making smart decisions, and he consistently brought energy.

Right now, Chimezie Metu’s intrigue lies in the flashes. But, at some point it will need to become more than that. It’s difficult to pinpoint what Metu did well most nights, but a few weaknesses were apparent — poor three-point shooting, underwhelming defense, and questionable shot selection were too common.

Considering the USC product just turned 25 years old in March, there’s still plenty of room for growth, and his reported high-caliber work ethic and desire make it easy to believe that he’ll continue to progress as a player.

Metu played his final nine games of last season without either Fox or Sabonis after they both went down with injuries. Context is crucial, but Metu contributed double-digit points three times during that span, which included a new career-high of 22 points. He knocked down 36.0 percent of his 2.8 triples per game throughout those final showings.

The Sacramento Kings didn’t make life any easier on Chimezie Metu during his fourth NBA season, but a substantial opportunity was given. Maybe Metu’s chance of succeeding where harmed by Sacramento’s uncertainty with rotations, but his minute total was more than double from his year prior. Ideal, or not, the chances were there and now a tough decision needs to be made regarding Metu’s future with the Sacramento Kings.

Chimzie Metu has one year remaining on his current deal at $1,910,860. But, it is non-guaranteed which leaves the Kings’ front office of Monte McNair, Wes Wilcox, and others with a choice to retain the 6’9″ wing or say their goodbyes now. Did Chimezie Metu show enough to justify securing his roster spot and finances for the 2022-23 NBA season?

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Marty
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April 22, 2022 8:53 am

Don’t know what we have in him yet, young with room to grow? Pay the man! #Kangz

RikSmits
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April 22, 2022 9:23 am

He seems like a nice, hard working guy and I was happy for him when he hit the game winner. Not that many NBA players can say that, I think.

Having said that, you can dam the American River with nice, hard working guys.

(This commeny may be vanilla and/or low hanging fruit, and may not be very interesting or useful.
This message has not been vetted nor endorsed by Kingsguru21.)

oswan88
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April 22, 2022 9:29 am
Reply to  RikSmits

Agreed. I don’t see him developing into more than an end of the bench big. Hard worker but he’s replaceable.

NorCalKingsFan
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April 22, 2022 7:02 pm
Reply to  oswan88

But at what price? Who are you bringing in for less than $2MM who will be better than Metu?

Kingsguru21
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April 22, 2022 10:36 am
Reply to  RikSmits

I’m rather amused by the nice guy dam concept. Although I do have concerns about sustainability.

Bluejohn
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April 22, 2022 2:11 pm
Reply to  Kingsguru21

I’m amazed that Rik* knows anything about the American River. However as a resident of the Low Countries I suspect he knows quite a bit about flooding. Having gone rafting thru the raging upper portion of the American there are parts that can kill you.**

Sure, on the lower parts in the Summer you can tube down the lazy river and see in the shallows where industrious kids (read hard working men) dam up small portions with head size river rocks to make better little swimming hole.

You can fall off your tube in riffles but as long as you can swim you’re not in any danger unless you’ve consumed 4 or 5 too many wine coolers. You can fall or get thrown off your raft in the upper river and die in numerous ways.

If you ask yourself which portions of the river best represents the NBA I’d choose the upper one. I’d prefer a guide who yells and screams at his passengers/paddlers and gets me home after getting thru the danger zone rather than the guide who everybody likes a lot but none of the other guides are quite sure is competent and hasn’t gotten much better after 4 seasons on the water.

It took me the last 6 games before I accepted that Metu had a place in the NBA but I still don’t know what he does well. I have a much clearer idea of what Trey Lyles brings. He may not do everything but what he does he does well and he doesn’t make many mistakes within his role.

The Kings will be bringing 2 new players from the draft as well as working with Neemie and Mitchell. With roster spots likely at a premium and with an easier pick at the 4 in Lyle’s I can’t see any reason to keep Metu.

Why does it make sense for the Kings to invest anymore development time in Metu when after 4 years he’s already been given (imperfect) but stilI NBA level opportunities and has yet to show much in return?

I hope he reaches whatever ceiling he’s capable of reaching and that he can build a longer career as a journeyman in the NBA, just not here.

*Rik I also enjoyed your nice guy dam concept
** It’s been over 35 years since I went rafting on the upper American River and for all I know it’s been dammed to a trickle.

RikSmits
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April 22, 2022 9:09 pm
Reply to  Bluejohn

Thank you. I enjoyed reading this.

Kingsguru21
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April 24, 2022 10:09 am
Reply to  Bluejohn

If you ask yourself which portions of the river best represents the NBA I’d choose the upper one. I’d prefer a guide who yells and screams at his passengers/paddlers and gets me home after getting thru the danger zone rather than the guide who everybody likes a lot but none of the other guides are quite sure is competent and hasn’t gotten much better after 4 seasons on the water.

It’s also dangerous if you don’t take control of the boat you’re guiding. Those paddling are relying on you to make decisions and it’s up to you to make those decisions.

Guiding paddle boats isn’t all that hard on the upper forks of the American relatively speaking, either. There’s much rougher white water (Alaska, the Colorado River is very tough) out there. Not that I know first hand as I’ve never been in Alaska or on the Colorado, but I’ve heard from people who have.

Anyhoo, great comment. I’ve been in & out of TKH and I lost track of this comment. I, too, rather enjoyed it.

Last edited 1 year ago by Kingsguru21
Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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April 22, 2022 9:39 am

Meh, he’s got a cheap non-guaranteed deal but he’s not a needle mover. If the Kings need a roster spot, then I have no problem cutting him. Truth be told, does Metu start 20 games or even get more than the 5-8 minutes per game on any other team not named the Pistons, Rockets or Kings last season?

He was this year’s Skal/Giles. Meh.

BeTheBall
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April 22, 2022 9:55 am

Rooting for him to succeed, as he seems like a likeable guy. I just prefer that he try to with another team next season.

eddie41
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April 22, 2022 10:01 am

Is it a difficult decision? Even if the Kings draft a PF, they still need some depth at that position. I think he showed enough at the end of the season to retain him for another year.

1951
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April 22, 2022 10:15 am

Metu is going to be as polarizing as Giles/Skal/etc.

“He’s alright.”
“He has potential to be a star!”
“Has a chance to be a solid back up.”
“Dude should be our stretch 4 next year!”

rff
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April 22, 2022 10:56 am

IMO Metu is a hot headed showboat. Kings could do better.

Kingsguru21
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April 22, 2022 11:13 am

Eh, who knows? But I’m guessing that Metu isn’t coming back unless it’s at the expense of D Jones. And is that worth it?

Can see this going a number of ways depending on roster makeup come late June (Metu’s contract guarantee for ’22-23 is June 29th) and it wouldn’t surprise me at any outcome.

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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April 22, 2022 11:47 am
Reply to  Kingsguru21

It may come down to what the Kings do with their 2 second round picks. With Queta already taking up one 2-way deal, they may need the roster space if they keep both picks. Lamb, Jones, Jackson and DDV are the only free agents, and DDV may be back with his RFA status.

If the Kings keep all three picks, pick up the option on Lyles (which they should) retain DDV, and let Lamb, Jackson, and Jones walk (which they will), then Metu takes the last roster spot. That would mean no free agency for the Kings unless trades are made.

murraytant
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April 22, 2022 12:07 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

I cannot see a scenario where Jackson or Lamb are “retained”. I do suspect that Jones walks. They will try to sign DDV.
The draft will determine a lot- is it another guard, a wing or a lucky PF?
I would give my left kidney for a Herb Jones in the second round.

murraytant
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April 22, 2022 12:04 pm
Reply to  Kingsguru21

If Kings get a top 3 then there are PF options. Jones is not coming back unless they find a way to deal with Holmes and Len. Kings not ready to give up on Q.
The 2 second rounders will be the two way guys unless one is a Euro who they can stash.
Save some $ if either Metu or Lyles are released but if pick is at 7/8 and is a guard/wing, then they may need both Lyles and Metu. Both have slightly different skills but are about the same in impact.

RobHessing
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April 22, 2022 11:41 am

Meh(tu).

1951
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April 22, 2022 11:44 am
Reply to  RobHessing

This works on so many levels for the Kings:

Kings are Meh (at the) two.

Kings 4? Oh, he is Meh too.

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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April 22, 2022 11:50 am
Reply to  1951

That settles it, the Kings are drafting Bennedict Meh(thurian)

RobHessing
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April 22, 2022 12:20 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

Eggs.

Kings-Rebuild
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April 22, 2022 12:04 pm

Give him the one more year and see what happens. He shows flashes of various skill sets but does nothing consistently well yet. I suspect Metu will bounce around the league as an end of the bench player for a few more years before he exits the league. The flashes he’s shown are enough to give him one more year hoping for a surprise breakthrough but I’m not optimistic about that happening.

CarmichaelRave
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April 22, 2022 12:30 pm

Apologies in advance for the OT question.
Which happens first, the Kings make the playoffs, or Aykis updates the Nostradumbass leaderboard?

Last edited 1 year ago by CarmichaelRave
CarmichaelRave
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April 22, 2022 1:15 pm
Reply to  CarmichaelRave

*Akis

RobHessing
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April 22, 2022 12:50 pm

OT, but Charlotte fired Borrego today. Gotta figure this does the Kings no particular favors, as that job has to be a lot more attractive than the Sac. job at the moment.

Also interesting that Borrego got the hook after taking the team from 23-42 to 33-39 to 43-39 over the past three seasons. I might be a little ticked off if the Kings fired a HC on that trajectory, though Hornets fans don’t seem particularly upset.

Adamsite
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April 22, 2022 2:26 pm
Reply to  RobHessing

If a Kings coach increased the win total by 10 games each season for three straight years Kings fans would already have asked for his name to be lifted to the rafters.

Seriously, that would automatically make him the 2nd greatest coach of the Sacramento era.

Here’s hoping the Kings interview Borrego.

Jman1949
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April 22, 2022 2:51 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

Borrego has two years left on the extension he signed last summer. I doubt that he’s in a hurry to take on a project like the Kings.

Kingsguru21
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April 22, 2022 2:53 pm
Reply to  RobHessing

I’m wondering what went wrong. Because this feels like that. Or an overreaction to the loss in Atlanta.

I think Kupchak might be overrating the value of that roster overall.

RobHessing
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April 22, 2022 2:58 pm
Reply to  Kingsguru21

Kupchak hired Borrego. Maybe it’s MJ influence or LaMelo at his first coach? Of course, Vlade hired/fired Joerger after the team improved, so who knows?

Kingsguru21
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April 22, 2022 3:45 pm
Reply to  RobHessing

Yep. Lotta factors probably. We’ll know more eventually.

MichaelMack
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April 22, 2022 9:39 pm
Reply to  Kingsguru21

Feels like there is a story there, though. He won’t be unemployed long.

oshima9
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April 22, 2022 1:51 pm

“It’s difficult to pinpoint what Metu did well most nights, but a few weaknesses were apparent — poor three-point shooting, underwhelming defense, and questionable shot selection were too common.”

All 3 things that are essential to see the floor consistently in the NBA, yet he feels he should be playing a lot of minutes. I guess when you play for the Kings, you feel like you should be out on the court no matter how inconsistently you perform.

In the games I watched, I rarely saw him do anything impactful, and he looked overmatched on defense.

BrazilianRare
April 22, 2022 3:17 pm

Moe Harmless is under contract….Lyles probably…and they will probably draft a wing (sf or pf)…no room for Metu.

Spoiler

NorCalKingsFan
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April 22, 2022 7:00 pm

I am a fan of Metu and I think he is better right now and brings more to the table than Lyles, Lamb, Harkless, and Len. On top of that, he is still improving despite the shit coaching he’s had since he’s been here.

IMO, Metu should be retained, I would happily say goodbye to Lyles in favor of Metu.

Ralph_Furleys_Tailor
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April 23, 2022 4:04 am
Reply to  NorCalKingsFan

I agree. Any scroll through my comments would assure all that I am a big fan of Metu. It is just my opinion, of course, but some of the commentary offered on this player is true Kangz fan myopia. I couldn’t care less if your opinion is that since he will never be a star or a starter that it amounts to a failure on his part or the kings organization. They generally SUCK at player development and Metu has gone from free agent to a rosterable talent that has improved. So at least you could say that. I couldn’t give a hoot in fuck if that isn’t enough progress to keep him off the Giles trajectory in TKH consensus opinion. I think he is still on a roster at age 30. Good enough. Happy for him.

ArcoThunder
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April 23, 2022 9:31 am

To me it’s pretty simple on concept. It’s much more difficult in reality. Alex Len and Holmes should be traded. Jones, Metu and Lyles should be retained. The production level at that cost compared to the production level from Holmes and Len at their combined cost explains most of the story for me. Holmes is an added layer because he is really good but now expendable with the Ox. Trade Holmes to move up in the draft 1 or 2 spots to get the guy you really want. No player coming back in the trade. Use that extra 10 million to get a star caliber player at PF, SG or SF.

EASY IN CONCEPT DIFFICULT IN REALITY.

NorCalKingsFan
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April 23, 2022 2:52 pm
Reply to  ArcoThunder

I agree, the only issue is that you won’t be bringing in a star level player for $10MM a year, but you could get a decent player for that amount and that’s what counts. We need to balance the roster even if it means we trade Holmes for cheap.

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