A stellar stint with Team Nigeria in the Olympics and a strong start to the NBA Summer League show that the Kings big is ready to take the next step.
It’s been a good off-season for Kings big man Chimezie Metu. Coming off of his first year in Sacramento, the fan favorite was able to brings his talents to Team Nigeria and an immediate impact in their win over Team USA in Las Vegas during the pre-Olympic friendlies with 6 points, 4 rebounds and 2 blocks.
Once in Tokyo, Metu continued to stand out, leading Team Nigeria with 22 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists in their game against Italy on July 31. Although the efforts came in a loss and Nigeria’s Olympic run was short-lived, Metu’s clear-cut improvement was evident.
MEZIE is BALLIN’!
17 points and he’s hit FIVE THREES tonight! Nigeria up 6. pic.twitter.com/zv5FocTAAO
— D’Tigers | Nigeria Basketball (@NigeriaBasket) July 31, 2021
Now in Las Vegas for Summer League with the Kings, Chimezie Metu is producing for Sacramento and continuing to develop at a high level. In Tuesday night’s contest vs. Washington, he put up 10 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and a block while shooting 2-5 from beyond the arc.
The 3-pointer is definitely a new skill Metu has added to his developing arsenal. Last season, Metu shot 35.1% from 3-point range on 37 attempts.
In Monday night’s contest vs. Charlotte, he put up 16 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals in a thrilling win. The Kings are 2-0 in Las Vegas, in large part due to Metu’s contributions.
Chimezie Metu made sure to make his mark in the @SacramentoKings‘ win last night #NBASummer pic.twitter.com/eQESGRG3cJ
— NBA Africa (@NBA_Africa) August 10, 2021
The Kings seem to like what they’ve seen from Metu, as it was reported yesterday that they had partially guaranteed Metu’s contract for $881,393.
In addition to Jones’ contract, the Kings are guaranteeing Chimezie Metu’s contract. He is now under contract for a guaranteed $881,398, with potential for the entire seasons deal at $1.8 million.
— James Ham (@James_HamNBCS) August 10, 2021
It took some time, but the 2018 late second-round pick has finally found what could be a potential long-term home while building chemistry next to Davion Mitchell and Neemias Queta.