Alperen Şengün Metu: A Professional Basketball Journey Across NBA and Europe
The professional trajectory of Metu is a testament to resilience and versatility, spanning the highest levels of basketball in both North America and Europe. From being a late-round NBA draft pick to becoming a pivotal frontcourt presence in the EuroLeague, Metu has navigated a career marked by flashes of brilliance and significant physical challenges.
Key Facts
- NBA Entry: Drafted 49th overall by the San Antonio Spurs in 2018.
- Career High: Recorded 23 points and 19 rebounds for the Phoenix Suns on Christmas Day 2023.
- European Success: Averaged 11 points in EuroLeague and 13.2 points in Liga ACB during his tenure with FC Barcelona.
- Major Setback: Suffered a total Achilles tendon rupture on March 25, 2025.
- Current Team: Signed with Galatasaray of the Basketbol Süper Ligi in July 2026.
The NBA Years: From San Antonio to Detroit
Early Steps with the San Antonio Spurs
Metu's professional journey began on June 21, 2018, when he was selected by the San Antonio Spurs with the 49th pick of the NBA draft. After participating in the Summer League, he officially signed with the team on September 4, 2018. He made his NBA debut on October 20, 2018, against the Portland Trail Blazers, contributing two points, two rebounds, and a block in limited minutes. His tenure with the Spurs concluded when he was waived on November 20, 2020.
Growth with the Sacramento Kings
Metu joined the Sacramento Kings on November 28, 2020. Although initially waived after the pre-season, he returned on a two-way contract—a flexible NBA agreement allowing players to move between the NBA and the G League. Following 28 appearances, he earned a multi-year deal on April 28, 2021. His time in Sacramento was highlighted by a dramatic game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer to defeat the Dallas Mavericks on December 29, 2021.
Stints with the Suns, Grizzlies, and Pistons
On July 4, 2023, Metu signed a one-year contract with the Phoenix Suns. He reached a personal milestone on Christmas Day, recording a career-high double-double with 23 points and 19 rebounds. However, his time in Phoenix ended on February 8, 2024, when he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in a three-team deal involving the Brooklyn Nets, only to be waived the following day.
Metu found a brief but productive home with the Detroit Pistons, signing a 10-day contract on March 20, 2024, which was later extended for the remainder of the season. In 14 games, he averaged 10.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists.
Transition to European Basketball
The FC Barcelona Era
Metu moved to Europe on July 30, 2024, signing a one-year contract with FC Barcelona. Despite a knee sprain in November that sidelined him for over a month, he returned to become a key asset in the frontcourt. He posted strong numbers in both the EuroLeague (11 PPG) and Liga ACB (13.2 PPG), with standout performances against Crvena Zvezda and Valencia.
Tragically, his season ended abruptly on March 25, 2025, during a EuroLeague game against FC Bayern. Metu suffered a total rupture of his Achilles tendon, requiring surgery and an estimated recovery period of at least nine months.
Recovery and Recent Moves
Following his injury, a potential move to Fenerbahçe Beko in July 2025 fell through during final contract negotiations. Metu eventually returned to competition on March 22, 2026, debuting for Gran Canaria in a Liga ACB game against CB Breogán. After leaving Gran Canaria on June 25, 2026, he signed with Galatasaray of the Basketbol Süper Ligi (BSL) on July 10, 2026.
Career Summary Table
| Period | Team | League | Notable Achievement/Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018–2020 | San Antonio Spurs | NBA | Drafted 49th overall |
| 2020–2023 | Sacramento Kings | NBA | Game-winning buzzer-beater vs. Dallas |
| 2023–2024 | Phoenix Suns | NBA | Career-high 23 pts, 19 reb |
| 2024 | Detroit Pistons | NBA | Averaged 10.5 PPG in 14 games |
| 2024–2025 | FC Barcelona | EuroLeague/ACB | 13.2 PPG in Liga ACB |
| 2026 | Gran Canaria | ACB/BCL | Return from Achilles injury |
| 2026–Present | Galatasaray | BSL | Current Team |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Metu enter the NBA?
Metu entered the NBA in 2018 after being selected by the San Antonio Spurs with the 49th pick in the NBA draft.
What was Metu's best performance with the Phoenix Suns?
His standout performance occurred on Christmas Day 2023, where he recorded a career-high double-double of 23 points and 19 rebounds.
What injury sidelined Metu during his time at FC Barcelona?
Metu suffered a total rupture of his Achilles tendon on March 25, 2025, during a game against FC Bayern, which required surgery and a long recovery process.
How did Metu perform in the Spanish Liga ACB with Barcelona?
He was a key frontcourt player, averaging 13.2 points per game in the Liga ACB.
Which team does Metu currently play for?
As of July 10, 2026, Metu is signed with Galatasaray in the Basketbol Süper Ligi.