Spurs Sign 2nd Round Pick Metu

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Originally Posted by TimDunkem

Anyone who thinks Metu will ever play the 3 in anything more than spot minutes in some experimental lineup during garbage time just doesn't know basketball.

"As long as Metu can guard KD/LeBron/Kawhi..."

Jesus Christ. Do some of you actually read the drivel you type before you post it? The guy has yet to play an NBA minute and we're already talking about moving him out of position and sticking him in front of the world's best. :lmao Fucking casuals.

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So you are going to ignore the trend of the new NBA? Longer, taller, skinnier, dynamic players coming in to play positionless basketball? If were talking 1 on 1, Metu of course would get burned but in 5 on 5 basketball the space being eaten up by longer bigger guys is what can make these kinds of line ups work for small stretches.

You take one blank statement and take it out of context to make yourself feel like you are superior and smarter than everyone else. I NEVER SAID START METU at the 3 but play him there in spurts to give guys like KD and Lebron trouble at certains points in time. Metu can come in fresh and use up all his energy for defense and tire KD and Lebron out a little bit. It happened last year in the playoffs when Bertans and Gay were being put in at the 3's sometimes 2's. Against guys that can shoot over you with ease you need to switch it up every now and then while our best lines up are on the bench.

Cousins, Metu, KD, Klay, Curry - Capela, Anthony, Tucker, Harden, CP3 what lines up are you using off the bench? You want Belli, Mills, Forbes, Derozan switching on those guys only? Bertans and Gay will eventually get tired, Metu can give them some fits too. Metu to me is a 4 but he will eventually be switched onto PGs, SGs, SFs, like everyone who plays against them. Gay and Metu are our best bet at stopping Durant for a few minutes at a time period. You have to throw multiple bodies on him during a game. Metu is possibly one of them.

Aldridge, Metu, Gay will be in a line up this year if we play the Warriors I think. Especially if we see Cousins, Draymond, and KD there as well. Metu will likely see some minutes guarding KD and Lebron in the next 2 years. BOOK IT!

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Originally Posted by keithington1

Murray White Belinelli Metu Aldridge is probably the Spurs most balanced lineup

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Pop will have to figure out what lineup plays best together over balance.

Spurs are loaded with one-dimensional players. Players who can defend but can't shoot. Players who can shoot but can't defend.

Penciling Metu in the rotation is cute and insane.

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Originally Posted by SpursDynasty85

Aldridge, Metu, Gay will be in a line up this year if we play the Warriors I think. Especially if we see Cousins, Draymond, and KD there as well. Metu will likely see some minutes guarding KD and Lebron in the next 2 years. BOOK IT!

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You got my vote! The players on this team that may likely play the role are Metu, Cunningham, Pondexter or Huestis. Everyone else is too small, too slow or too old to guard an elite SF.

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Originally Posted by Pavlov

Penciling Metu in the rotation is cute and insane.

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Spurs played Blair (2nd rounder) a ton of minutes.... he was 6'5" and played PF-C for the Spurs.

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Originally Posted by ceperez

Spurs played Blair (2nd rounder) a ton of minutes.... he was 6'5" and played PF-C for the Spurs.

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He fell in the draft because he had no ACLs.

Why was Metu available so low?

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Originally Posted by Pavlov

He fell in the draft because he had no ACLs.

Why was Metu available so low?

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Maybe because he punched another player in the balls during a game? I'm not sure, but Spurs felt the need to sign him for 3 years.

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Originally Posted by ceperez

Maybe because he punched another player in the balls during a game? I'm not sure, but Spurs felt the need to sign him for 3 years.

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Yes, long term they see potential.

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Originally Posted by Chinook

I think White is better than Murray.

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Based on what? G league games. Let's see him with the big team before we anoint him better than anyone. I expect big things from Murray this year on the offensive end and he will only become more elite on the defensive side of the ball. There haven't been any talk from the Spurs that White can be star unlike Murray.

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Originally Posted by TimDunkem

Anyone who thinks Metu will ever play the 3 in anything more than spot minutes in some experimental lineup during garbage time just doesn't know basketball.

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Originally Posted by TimDunkem

"As long as Metu can guard KD/LeBron/Kawhi..."

Jesus Christ. Do some of you actually read the drivel you type before you post it? The guy has yet to play an NBA minute and we're already talking about moving him out of position and sticking him in front of the world's best.

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Originally Posted by TimDunkem

:lmao

Fucking casuals.

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I was laughing at this thread yesterday, but I literally :lol when I read this.

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Originally Posted by SpursDynasty85

Cousins, Metu, KD, Klay, Curry - Capela, Anthony, Tucker, Harden, CP3 what lines up are you using off the bench? You want Belli, Mills, Forbes, Derozan switching on those guys only? Bertans and Gay will eventually get tired, Metu can give them some fits too. Metu to me is a 4 but he will eventually be switched onto PGs, SGs, SFs, like everyone who plays against them. Gay and Metu are our best bet at stopping Durant for a few minutes at a time period. You have to throw multiple bodies on him during a game. Metu is possibly one of them.

Aldridge, Metu, Gay will be in a line up this year if we play the Warriors I think. Especially if we see Cousins, Draymond, and KD there as well. Metu will likely see some minutes guarding KD and Lebron in the next 2 years. BOOK IT!

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Teams Gasol can't start against: Celtics (unless they inexplicably start Baynes), Lakers, Bucks (if they start Brogdon over Snell).
Teams Gasol shouldn't start against: Warriors, Rockets, Clippers, Pelicans (if they start Mirotic/Payton over Randle/Hill), 76ers.

Bertans probably starts against the first group and along with Cunningham, plays an increased role against the rest.

I think Metu will be a stud, especially in today’s NBA, long athletic versatile player who can play both sides of the court. And I just wanted to note that it’s simply remarkable that Spurs keep on finding these types of players. After losing the big 3 and Kawhitter, Spurs didn’t even missed a beat, didn’t have to succumb to mediocrity like some teams find themselves after losing their star players, like Lakers, Celtics, Heat, etc. Some couldn’t even recover until now, Knicks, Bulls, etc. It’s testimony to RC and Pops leadership to finding ways, working out with LMA instead of maybe letting him walk when everybody thought that’s inevitable, getting an All-Star talent like Demar when Kawhitter short of sabotaging the Spurs chances of getting a fair trade, re-signing Gay who could’ve signed to the Dubs maybe as ringchaser, getting/retaining role players like Beli, Bertran, Mills, Pau for continuity, continue to develop future studs like Murray and White, and scouting/acquiring future studs like Lonnie, Metu, Poeltl. It doesn’t cease to amaze me of the longevity, consistency, just pure excellence in managing situations. Spurs fans are spoiled. Even retired superstar players like Duncan, Manu continue to help develop veteran and young players alike. Really I cannot think of another organization even close. Maybe Patriots. Simply remarkable.

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Originally Posted by John B

I think Metu will be a stud, especially in today’s NBA, long athletic versatile player who can play both sides of the court. And I just wanted to note that it’s simply remarkable that Spurs keep on finding these types of players. After losing the big 3 and Kawhitter, Spurs didn’t even missed a beat, didn’t have to succumb to mediocrity like some teams find themselves after losing their star players, like Lakers, Celtics, Heat, etc. Some couldn’t even recover until now, Knicks, Bulls, etc. It’s testimony to RC and Pops leadership to finding ways, working out with LMA instead of maybe letting him walk when everybody thought that’s inevitable, getting an All-Star talent like Demar when Kawhitter short of sabotaging the Spurs chances of getting a fair trade, re-signing Gay who could’ve signed to the Dubs maybe as ringchaser, getting/retaining role players like Beli, Bertran, Mills, Pau for continuity, continue to develop future studs like Murray and White, and scouting/acquiring future studs like Lonnie, Metu, Poeltl. It doesn’t cease to amaze me of the longevity, consistency, just pure excellence in managing situations. Spurs fans are spoiled. Even retired superstar players like Duncan, Manu continue to help develop veteran and young players alike. Really I cannot think of another organization even close. Maybe Patriots. Simply remarkable.

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I completely agree. This deserves a thread. People swear they want the team to tank but for what?! A low chance of getting lucky and building a championship team? That could set the Spurs back for years! The only people who want that to happen are the ones who aren’t strong enough fans to sit and watch every game and endure the Spurs sucking. You know what they would do? Just avoid watching until Spurs get good again. As a true fan I couldn’t imagine wanting to do that. I am glad the Spurs wanted to stay competitive. They made the best of this shitty Kawhi situation and still have a very competitive team capable of winning a lot of games. The Spurs already have FIVE championships. Yes it would be nice to get more but I would much rather be competitive than watch our team suck if they don’t have to. Other fans have dealt with shitty organizations for sooo many years and we’re so lucky but some are so spoiled. I’m excited for this season!

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Originally Posted by John B

I think Metu will be a stud, especially in today’s NBA, long athletic versatile player who can play both sides of the court. And I just wanted to note that it’s simply remarkable that Spurs keep on finding these types of players. After losing the big 3 and Kawhitter, Spurs didn’t even missed a beat, didn’t have to succumb to mediocrity like some teams find themselves after losing their star players, like Lakers, Celtics, Heat, etc. Some couldn’t even recover until now, Knicks, Bulls, etc. It’s testimony to RC and Pops leadership to finding ways, working out with LMA instead of maybe letting him walk when everybody thought that’s inevitable, getting an All-Star talent like Demar when Kawhitter short of sabotaging the Spurs chances of getting a fair trade, re-signing Gay who could’ve signed to the Dubs maybe as ringchaser, getting/retaining role players like Beli, Bertran, Mills, Pau for continuity, continue to develop future studs like Murray and White, and scouting/acquiring future studs like Lonnie, Metu, Poeltl. It doesn’t cease to amaze me of the longevity, consistency, just pure excellence in managing situations. Spurs fans are spoiled. Even retired superstar players like Duncan, Manu continue to help develop veteran and young players alike. Really I cannot think of another organization even close. Maybe Patriots. Simply remarkable.

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I've got high hopes for Metu. He's a #49th pick, that's a extremely low pick to be signed for 3 years. If he's as good as the PATFO believes he is, then I've got no clue why so many other NBA teams passed on him. Just no idea as to how he ended up with the Spurs!

Here's one thing though, Spurs have scouted Metu for 2 years while he was in college. Interesting enough, he wasn't called to a pre-draft workout with the Spurs! That's how close Spurs staff keep a secret.

I'm also surprised Walker fell into the Spurs lap. Walker has outrageous athleticism and skills for his age. How does a Donovan Mitchell type player land at #18??

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Originally Posted by Chinook

I think White is better than Murray. I certainly think he's on par with Patty when factoring in defense. Putting Metu in there is insane. He's not KBD where he just screams "role-player from jump-street". He screams "raw but worth developing". It does say something that Chim got a deal with the big club and that they liked him enough to hide their interest in him before the draft. But they way they used him in the summer league and how long it took them to actually give him his contract suggest that they don't have immediate plans for him the way they did with Kawhi and Blair. They probably view him similar to how they viewed Murray, White and Walker.

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Whether he is or isn't, Whie isn't likely to close games over Murray and probably not over Mills either. Thats not to disparage White but I think it's going to take time for him to earn that type of trust and role with the team.

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Originally Posted by SpursDynasty85

For this year, I would not think Metu would be in the rotation against that team but for only about 10 minutes. White I am reserving my judgment on because he looks NBA ready and is 25 years old. Ultimately, we need to put length and physicality to stifen Golden State's offense. Any lineup that does not concentrate on length and physicality will likely fail against GS, even if that means throwing a line up of below average offense. Houston's offense in playoff crunch time was a glorified shoot any 3 that you can and it was VERY ugly. They missed 27 straight 3's yet the Golden State Warriors still needed friendly referee whistles. Ultimately we saw Rockets physicality and length on the defensive end start to wear the Golden State Warriors down and in return their offense looked very worn down. Rockets at that point, instead of jacking up 3's and giving the defense a break,they should've took it to the hole or posted up those skinnier Warriors which their line up was not ready for. With Aldridge, Derozan, and Gay we will have ample assets to slow it down and look for some easy physical buckets.


Warriors throw up points in a blaze but also go through droughts. If we can switch up the rotations and give them some trouble with some length and physical line ups of Metu, Gay, Bertans, Cunningham variant or combination, to throw off those point outburts, we will have a great chance to stay competitive.

Next years' closing line up on the regular I would imagine is:

Aldridge, Gay, Derozan, Belli/Mills/White, Murray

Another thing to consider is if Cousins and Draymond will be in the finsihing line up together along with Durant. Then yes I would vouch for a Aldridge, Metu, Gay, Derozan, White/Murray/Mills line up if it works.

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I feel fairly confident that Metu is going to play fewer than 137 minutes (Whites minute total for last year). You not only have him being a rotation player but you have him closing games, at position that he isn't equip to play.

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Originally Posted by cd021

Whether he is or isn't, Whie isn't likely to close games over Murray and probably not over Mills either. Thats not to disparage White but I think it's going to take time for him to earn that type of trust and role with the team.

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I don't think Pop's going to be too obsessed with trust this year. He let Tony walk and apparently did not convince Manu to stay on. He knows it's time to move on. If White is a better player than Mills, he will play. I also think that if Murray doesn't improve, he's not going to be considered one of the vets. He was hot and cold last year rather than consistently solid. Those types of players aren't regular closers. If Murray does improve, however, then he'll likely be the third-best player on the team and would definitely close unless his shot is just too bad.

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Originally Posted by cd021

I feel fairly confident that Metu is going to play fewer than 137 minutes (Whites minute total for last year). You not only have him being a rotation player but you have him closing games, at position that he isn't equip to play.

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Metu is a 4. Will he gaurd 3s yea. Who cares who a 4 or 3 is. Positionless basketball is coming sooner or later. I want Metu to break rotation sooner rather than later as well. He was a highly touted his prospect too. Wonder if Pop can tap the potential that nobody saw.

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Originally Posted by Floyd Pacquiao

Start him at the 3

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This

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Originally Posted by SpursDynasty85

Metu is a 4. Will he gaurd 3s yea. Who cares who a 4 or 3 is. Positionless basketball is coming sooner or later. I want Metu to break rotation sooner rather than later as well. He was a highly touted his prospect too. Wonder if Pop can tap the potential that nobody saw.

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Again, not a 3. Whether you want Metu to break the rotation sooner rather than later, it doesn't change the fact that he is likely a project and unlikely to play much aside from Austin. Even next season, with Pau possibly gone, he'd probably have a tough time getting minutes with LMA, Poeltl, Bertans, Gay and probably even Milutinov. He has potential but it may be a couple of years before he has a shot at cracking the rotation.

Metu has a chance to play minutes with Pau and LMA both aging. All it would take is one of the three Cs being inactive and a second missing time due to injury, foul trouble or lineup restrictions. With Tony and Manu gone, the front court is where the majority of the age and durability concerns lie. I strongly doubt Pop has plans for Metu this year. But I do think he/RC believes Chim can play. Even if they view him as a developmental project, they didn't try to stash him in Europe or Austin like they did other projects. They felt comfortable enough signing him instead of a bench-warmer.

But "Metu at the three" is probably the strangest hill I've seen people willing to die on this side of #ceperez . If it were just one poster, that would be one thing. But it's not, and that's bonkers.

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Originally Posted by Chinook

I don't think Pop's going to be too obsessed with trust this year. He let Tony walk and apparently did not convince Manu to stay on. He knows it's time to move on. If White is a better player than Mills, he will play. I also think that if Murray doesn't improve, he's not going to be considered one of the vets. He was hot and cold last year rather than consistently solid. Those types of players aren't regular closers. If Murray does improve, however, then he'll likely be the third-best player on the team and would definitely close unless his shot is just too bad.

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I don't think guard depth is a strength this year, and without Parker and Manu eating up half of the guard minutes there is a vacuum that needs to be filled. DDR may start at the 3 and may actually play a lot of minutes there, if the SL is Mills, Murray, DDR, LMA and Gasol and the closing unit is Mills/White, Murray, DDR, Gay, and LMA.

White will certainly get his chance to play and, it's not inconceivable that he plays his way into a solid role assuming he can defend, create and shoot on the second unit. I do fully expect Murray to make a jump; however, making him the 3rd or 4th best player on the team and the best guard on the team.

He'll have to improve his outside shot-even something like 34% from 3 on 3 attempts per game would be a big improvement, and potentially allow him to get to the rim more often by attacking closeouts. His defense on the perimeter gives him a good chance to close, though I agree that he may be hard to play late if his shot doesn't improve.

Mills seems to be the most like candidate to play late, at the other guard spot. I don't buy into to Beli closing many games, unless he's nailing 3's. White may be a dark horse if he plays well, given his size, shooting and ability to possibly be able to defend decently, but I am still skeptical that he'd be able to usurp Mills in that role.

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Originally Posted by cd021

Whether he is or isn't, Whie isn't likely to close games over Murray and probably not over Mills either. Thats not to disparage White but I think it's going to take time for him to earn that type of trust and role with the team.

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^ this, plus he hasn't proven anything yet. Probably wise to temper expectations until he shows up and earns a spot on the rotation.

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Originally Posted by cd021

I don't think guard depth is a strength this year, and without Parker and Manu eating up half of the guard minutes there is a vacuum that needs to be filled. DDR may start at the 3 and may actually play a lot of minutes there, if the SL is Mills, Murray, DDR, LMA and Gasol and the closing unit is Mills/White, Murray, DDR, Gay, and LMA.

White will certainly get his chance to play and, it's not inconceivable that he plays his way into a solid role assuming he can defend, create and shoot on the second unit. I do fully expect Murray to make a jump; however, making him the 3rd or 4th best player on the team and the best guard on the team.

He'll have to improve his outside shot-even something like 34% from 3 on 3 attempts per game would be a big improvement, and potentially allow him to get to the rim more often by attacking closeouts. His defense on the perimeter gives him a good chance to close, though I agree that he may be hard to play late if his shot doesn't improve.

Mills seems to be the most like candidate to play late, at the other guard spot. I don't buy into to Beli closing many games, unless he's nailing 3's. White may be a dark horse if he plays well, given his size, shooting and ability to possibly be able to defend decently, but I am still skeptical that he'd be able to usurp Mills in that role.

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The problem with trying to predict the productivity of an NBA player is that other teams try to find the players weaknesses. Players that are un-scouted can have break out games, only to come crashing when exposed. Good players are sufficiently unpredictable and talented that they find a way to score. Many Spurs players are good at what they do but are one-dimensional. This is the biggest problem going into the season.

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Originally Posted by ceperez

The problem with trying to predict the productivity of an NBA player is that other teams try to find the players weaknesses. Players that are un-scouted can have break out games, only to come crashing when exposed. Good players are sufficiently unpredictable and talented that they find a way to score. Many Spurs players are good at what they do but are one-dimensional. This is the biggest problem going into the season.

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Sure, but my point with Murray was that if he can improve as a 3pt shooter then it would be a big improvement to his game and to the team as a whole. Teams leave him open on the perimeter is a result of his unwillingness and inability to shoot from outside, but him knocking down 3's is on him.

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Originally Posted by cd021

Sure, but my point with Murray was that if he can improve as a 3pt shooter then it would be a big improvement to his game and to the team as a whole. Teams leave him open on the perimeter is a result of his unwillingness and inability to shoot from outside, but him knocking down 3's is on him.

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I don't disagree here. Same problem as Kyle Anderson, who was afraid of taking the 3 point shot.

I wonder what's worse, a player like Patty/Forbes who can shoot but can't defend or a player like Murray who can't shoot but can defend?

I guess it depends on what the other team has. Murray matched up against Westbrook pays a ton of dividends. Forbes matched up against a bench warmer pays better than Murray matched up against a bench warmer.