The enthusiasm coming from JJ Redick when discussing Adou Thiero was an overwhelming highlight from the Los Angeles Lakers' press conference on Thursday. The third-year coach joined Rob Pelinka to answer questions from the media. When given the opportunity, Redick threw a lot of praise at his sophomore forward.
"Adou has had an unbelievable last two months of development. It's the first stretch he's had since we drafted him where he's had uninterrupted time in the gym, and his body's been in great shape. He's just gotten better."
That sounds like a coach who is very confident in his young player. Thiero did not get a real opportunity to make an impact with the Lakers during his rookie season. Things could be a lot different for him in his second year at the NBA level.
There is a clear vacancy in the starting lineup. At bare minimum, one starting forward spot is open. Redick even suggested it might be more than that, stating there are only three starters who have been finalized. It is safe to assume Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler are that trio.
Wishing that Thiero could make the leap from end of bench guy to starter for year two was always an optimistic thought. Redick's glowing review of the progress his athletic forward has made is suddenly inviting that sunny-side-up mentality in Los Angeles.
Maybe Adou Thiero will be a Lakers starter in year two after all
When Jonathan Kuminga chose the Minnesota Timberwolves, there was some reasonable concern over how the starting group would get finalized. In all fairness, there still is.
Kuminga was far from a perfect player or an ideal fit, though. The former free-agent forward was simply viewed as the best of what was available from a talent standpoint at the time. Who the Lakers have in-house may not measure up to what the former lottery pick has proven to already be. However, they really may not need as much.
The Lakers' main desirables at those wing spots should include athleticism, defense, and a willingness to buy into what they are doing. Thiero should have all three.
Adou's main concern has been the rawness of his game on offense. There is validity to being nervous about that. All the same, the young forward would at least get to benefit from playing beside Doncic on that end, should the two share playing time as starters.
If Thiero emerges from training camp and preseason looking ready enough to be a full-time starter, or at least a stopgap for this season, it will be a massive win for the Lakers. That should not be the expectation. Even so, Redick created healthy buzz and excitement around that not being completely ruled out as a possibility.
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