If there is one thing the Los Angeles Lakers’ roster has lacked this season, it is athleticism and defensive prowess on the wing. One player they hoped could provide that is rookie Adou Thiero, who they drafted in the second round out of Arkansas.
Unfortunately, Thiero hasn’t been able to make much of an impact this season. He was dealing with a knee injury over the summer that cost him Summer League, training camp and the preseason.
He was eventually able to return and made some short cameos in the Lakers’ rotation, although he then suffered another knee injury that kept him out for around six weeks.
Thiero is now healthy and has been spending time with the Lakers’ G League team to get back in a rhythm. He had his best game on Sunday night in Santa Cruz, scoring 25 points to go along with six rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal on 10-of-12 shooting and a perfect 5-of-5 from deep.
At practice on Monday, Lakers head coach JJ Redick discussed Thiero’s progress and if he envisions him getting another look in the rotation this season.
“I think with him, he didn’t have a summer. Had some medical issues, didn’t get to play, didn’t get to do preseason. So kind of was catching up. We had some injuries, got him some rotation minutes. But then he got hurt again,” Redick said.
“Adou and I talked at the beginning of the year, and really felt that this was, particularly with not knowing when he would come back and be healthy, that this was very likely gonna be a development year, particularly at the beginning, and then to have the re-injury. So he needs to play basketball. I think we had a great conversation last week just about the importance of being down there and really just being coached and working on the right habits. I think in four of the last five games (in the G League), he’s been really good. He’s been really good. I think he’s in a good spot to sort of embrace that. As far as it relates to our rotation, I have a hard enough time when we’re healthy getting everyone minutes as it is. But I think our staff, myself, I know I was pushing for it early in the year, definitely want to get him opportunities. Those opportunities are not there right now. That’s just the reality.”
The Lakers definitely have a crowded rotation, so it makes sense that Redick is struggling to find playing time for someone like Thiero.
While it’s unfortunate because the rookie can provide an element the Lakers don’t otherwise have, it seems they are taking the long-term approach with Thiero, focusing on his development as they gear up for a postseason run.
JJ Redick pleased with where Lakers are at after win over Knicks
The Lakers are coming off their best win and defensive performance of the season on Sunday against the New York Knicks. While Redick doesn’t want to overreact, he is pleased with where the team is at heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
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