Open Thread: Former Spurs big man Chimezie Metu is heading overseas to play with FC Barcelona

He joins a storied team with a championship pedigree

Chimezie Metu got his start in the NBA via the 2018 NBA Draft. With the 49th pick, the San Antonio Spurs took the Nigerian-American power forward/center. He played his first two seasons with the Spurs, splitting time between San Antonio and the G-League affiliate in Austin.

In 2020, the Spurs waived Metu and he signed with the Sacramento Kings where he spent three seasons as a solid bench contributor.

Last year, Metu signed with the Suns, but was traded on February 8th to the Memphis Grizzlies in a three-team trade involving the Brooklyn Nets. After being waived by the Grizzlies, he was picked up by and completed the season with the Detroit Pistons.

Now, Chimezie Metu is heading overseas.

FC Barcelona has a history of pulling well-known NBA players.

Pau Gasol, Marc Gasol, Ricky Rubio, Nikola Mirotic, and Anderson Varejao all spent time with the club during their respective careers.

Last season, many former NBA players including Rubio, Jan Vesely, Jabari Parker, Willy Hernangomez, Tomas Satoransky, and Alex Abrines made their way to runner-up in the Spanish Liga ACB, for which the club has won 10 times since 2000.

Chimezie also represents the Nigerian Men’s National Basketball Team, but they did not qualify for the 2024 Olympics.

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