Entering year two of an NBA career that saw his rookie season as a relative write-off, Adou Thiero should be nowhere near starter talks. In spite of that, the Los Angeles Lakers' current roster may demand for that to at least remain a possibility until opening night due to the (lack of) alternatives.
Thiero suddenly bursting onto the scene as a starter would really provide the perfect solution for the Lakers' fifth starter problem. Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Walker Kessler, and Quentin Grimes need one more to complete the unit. Adou being ahead of schedule in his development would be a gift.
The problem is that involves Thiero taking a sizable leap from the player we saw in Summer League in a multitude of areas. The athletic forward would need more offensive control and discipline, an improved perimeter shot, plus unmissable understanding of his role within the team.
Some of that can come along quickly. The Lakers would be giggling and kicking their feet if it all magically clicked in training camp. That should be the happy surprise, and not the expectation, though. Thiero deserves to be paced along accordingly.
Being a Lakers starter is still a long shot for Adou Thiero
Thiero is an incredible athlete. It would be more than fair to call him one of the most athletic players in the entire NBA. With the right coaching and discipline, imagining him as that fifth starter who prioritizes defense and takes what is leftover on offense is not unfair.
Getting a firm grip on the coverages, assignments, and responsibilities is something that will only come with time and reps of experience. Executing against the best of what the league has to offer is a whole different story, too. Thiero is still very green at the NBA level.
Most of the action in his rookie season came in the G League. That inexperience showed up at Las Vegas Summer League. Thiero openly admitted there is still a lot of work to be done to master how his athleticism can work for him.
Defensively, the best-case scenario of his gifts working in his favor would involve being a stopper and overall disruptor who can be a playmaker on that end. Offensively, the quickest path for him to be a regular scorer involves being a lob threat, active cutter, and getting out in transition.
These things are all attainable for Thiero. It just might all look a little messy until all the fundamentals are in place to truly harness his powers.
Lakers lacking a clear fifth starter is inviting this premature Adou Thiero conversation
If the Lakers managed to land that final piece as a starting forward this summer, the conversation of Thiero being anywhere near the starting lineup would not exist. He would be a spark of energy off the bench. Alas, there was no Jonathan Kuminga, P.J. Washington, or anyone of the sort to save Los Angeles. They have to make do.
Even in these circumstances, guys like Ziaire Williams and Jake LaRavia should provide more immediate solutions at the starting forward spot. Both have their flaws, but they are far closer to established players. Thiero still has a ton of hurdles to clear is in his developmental journey.
This is all before mentioning the lack of shooting threat provided by the young Laker. Granted, that weighs less heavily considering that is a flaw shared by many of the starting options.
All in all, seeing Thiero penciled in as a starter at the beginning of the year would be a downright shocker that borders on being a miracle. It would be a dream scenario, especially this early. Some dreams, this one included, just need time and patience before they can truly become reality.
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