The NBA will kick off the 2018-19 season on Tuesday and several Trojans will be part of the action. Here is who you should look out for this NBA season.
Chimezie Metu – Metu was the 49th overall pick (round 2) in the 2018 draft by the San Antonio Spurs. Metu is currently listed as the fourth-string power forward for the Spurs, who are loaded at the position. Metu will likely play in the NBA's developmental league at times throughout his rookie season, and will be a project for the Spurs. Though it is unlikely that he will see much playing time this year, the Spurs organization has expressed excitement in Metu's potential. The Spurs first regular season game is this Wednesday against the Timberwolves at 5:30pm PT.
Sources: The San Antonio Spurs and second-round pick Chimezie Metu have agreed on a three-year rookie deal. Team is high on the former USC standout.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 30, 2018
De'Anthony Melton – Melton was the 46th overall pick (round 2) in the 2018 draft by the Houston Rockets and was later traded to the Phoenix Suns. Melton is listed as the second-string point guard behind Frenchman Elie Okobo for the Suns. Expect Melton to see a fair amount of playing time this season for Phoenix. Like Melton, starting point guard Okobo is also a 20-year-old rookie drafted in the second round in 2018. The Suns are desperate for a solid starting point guard, so much so that they fired General Manager Ryan McDonough, in part due to his inability to find a suitable pair for Devin Booker in the backcourt. Melton is extremely talented, and could take over the Suns' starting spot if he plays well. The Suns take on the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday at 7:30pm PT.
Jordan McLaughlin – An undrafted free agent, McLaughlin was signed by the Brooklyn Nets to an Exhibit 10 deal (essentially a minor-league contract – more info here) this summer. McLaughlin was waived by the Nets last week, and is in the process of deciding whether to play in the NBA G-League or in an overseas professional league according to CBSSports.
Elijah Stewart – An undrafted free agent, Stewart was signed to an Exhibit 10 deal by the Indiana Pacers this summer. Stewart was also waived by the Pacers last week, but also has an opportunity to play for the team's G-League affiliate. If Stewart signs with the Pacers G-League team and stays with the team for at least 60 days, he is eligible for a $50,000 signing bonus in addition to a G-League salary. Both Stewart and McLaughlin have until October 20th to report to their respective G-League affiliates.
Current Trojans
USC alums Dewayne Dedmon (6th season, Atlanta Hawks), DeMar Derozan (10th season, San Antonio Spurs), Taj Gibson (10th season, Minnesota Timberwolves), and Nikola Vucevic (8th season, Orlando Magic) will also return to action on Wednesday.