The Los Angeles Lakers have only given Adou Thiero 106 minutes of NBA action as a rookie, but the dominant performances in the G League should be making head coach JJ Redick reconsider. The purple and gold have won five straight and are gearing up for the playoffs. They lack athleticism and versatile defenders, which could be the exact area where the rookie steps in. It would be a difficult leap to make in year one, but the 21-year-old is quickly proving too good for the developmental league.
Over his nine games with the South Bay Lakers, Thiero averaged 15.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.9 blocks in 21.8 minutes per contest. He is shooting 62.5 percent from the field and 50.0 percent on his 3-point tries. The 6’7 wing has been a two-way force, and looks like he’d fit perfectly off the bench in LA.
Coach Redick made it clear this is a development year for Thiero. He won’t get much time with the Lakers, but his impressive play should be changing that. The Lakers want to contend and need a variety of options to win four playoff series. Giving Thiero a shot may quickly provide dividends and fill a hole in LA’s roster. The rookie is proving he’s ready, and coach Redick can’t ignore him forever.
Adou Thiero’s G League performance is getting the Lakers' attention
The rookie has struggled to stay healthy. He missed all of summer league recovering from a late-season injury and has dealt with multiple problems during his rookie season. The Lakers are bringing him along slowly, but his minutes are slowly trending up in the G League.
It could be the perfect time to try him in a minimal bench role to gauge his impact. His athleticism, defense, and versatility could be significant. The Lakers have a crowded wing room with Jarred Vanderbilt currently out of the rotation, but Thiero could quickly pass him and others by continuing to make shots. LA needs true 3-and-D options. The rookie has fit the bill in the G League and is improving daily.
Austin Reaves made the Lakers' focus crystal clear after Saturday’s massive win over the Nuggets. They want to compete for a championship right now. Against a young athletic squad like the Thunder or Spurs, the purple and gold could use a springy 6’7 wing to get stops. Thiero is their only hope to fill that role.
Redick is against trying this, but his story may quickly change in the postseason. Nobody wants that to be Thiero’s first real opportunity. He has virtually only played in NBA garbage time as a rookie. The Lakers should throw him a few games now to see what they've got. His G League play proves that, even if the franchise refuses to accept this reality.
Los Angeles Lakers fans should be excited about Adou Thiero’s future. Rob Pelinka traded up to acquire him, and his strong G League returns suggest the franchise may have found something. He must make shots to fit next to Luka Doncic.
So far, so good. Now, it is all about proving it at the NBA level. Head coach JJ Redick can’t ignore Thiero forever. Expect the youngster to make the most of his shot whenever it comes.