The Detroit Pistons have signed forward/center Chimezie Metu to a 10-day contract, the team announced in a press release.
Metu, 26, appeared in 37 games for the Phoenix Suns this season before being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in February, as part of a three-team deal with the Brooklyn Nets. Memphis immediately waived him and he’s been looking for a new hoops home since.
He signed a one-year deal with the Suns over the summer after spending his first three seasons with the Sacramento Kings. With Phoenix, Metu averaged 5.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 0.5 assists and 0.5 steals, shooting 51 percent from the field.
The Pistons (12-56) enter Wednesday in last place in the Central Division and next-to-last in the Eastern Conference, ahead of only the Washington Wizards. Detroit has been officially eliminated from playoff contention.
Metu carries career averages of 5.6 points and 3.3 rebounds in 246 career games total.
Per Blake Silverman of Detroit Bad Boys:
“He began his NBA career with the San Antonio Spurs, who brought him in as the No. 49 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. He played three seasons at USC prior to the NBA, where he was named first-team All-Pac-12 in 2018 and second-team All-Pac-12 and Most Improved Player in 2017. Over his three collegiate seasons, he averaged 12.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.
“The Pistons have six games over their next 10 days to get a look at Metu, including tonight’s contest against the Indiana Pacers, should he be available. Detroit had an open roster spot, which Metu now absorbs, where he can compete for another 10-day deal or a rest-of-season contract.”
Detroit has an open roster spot and therefore won’t need to make a corresponding move to add Metu.
The Pistons haven’t won a playoff series since 2008 and haven’t reached 30 wins since 2018. They set the NBA record for consecutive losses in a season under first-year coach Monty Williams with 28.
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