Phoenix: Former Phoenix Suns F/C Chimezie Metu is departing the NBA this offseason to play in his native Japan, joining the ranks of former colleague Yuta Watanabe who made the same move.
Metu has reportedly agreed to play basketball with FC Barcelona in Spain, teaming up with Justin Anderson, another former NBA player.
The news, which was provided by Spanish sports writer Oscar Herroros, is translated into English as follows:
Barça has reached an agreement with Nigerian pivot Chimezie Metu. The former NBA player, who can play both positions, will be visiting the Palau for the first time in Europe. Metu becomes a part of Justin Anderson’s closed signing.
@chemadelucas
Yesterday, Barcelona’s interest increased.
The 27-year-old Metu has now decided to follow the growing number of NBA players who have made the decision to relocate overseas in the hopes of securing lucrative contracts and a set role.
Metu and Phoenix reached a one-year veteran minimum contract agreement in July. Although he had a strong preseason and displayed moments of genius, like his Christmas Day 2023 23-point, 19-rebound performance against the Dallas Mavericks, he never quite found his footing in Frank Vogel’s rotation.
Ultimately, Metu was traded by Phoenix for Royce O’Neale, and he was transferred to the Memphis Grizzlies. After that, Metu was cut by the Grizzlies before he had a chance to make a name for himself playing nearly the entire season with the Detroit Pistons.
Metu averaged 5 points and 3 rebounds per game while playing with the Suns. He scored more than ten points in each of the Pistons’ 14 games.
Although Metu has shown promise as an NBA backup big man, the league’s frequent roster changes and influx of new talent make it difficult for good players to establish themselves.
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