JJ Redick is betting big on his young guns, even when they make rookie mistakes. Coach Redick just flat out said he had to call a timeout in the second scrimmage to pull rookie guard Cameron Carr aside and teach him a thing or two, but don’t get it twisted, he’s “very confident” Carr and second-year forward Adou Thiero are gonna get opportunities this year. This isn’t just about a rookie learning the ropes; it’s a huge signal about what Redick values and how he thinks the Lakers can make some noise.
Cameron Carr Is Making Mistakes, But Redick Sees a Player
Rookie guard Cameron Carr clearly made an impression at Baylor University last season, dropping 18.9 points a game on 49.4% shooting from the field and a sweet 37.4% from deep. Those numbers are legit. But even with that kind of resume, the NBA is a different beast, and Redick isn’t sugarcoating it. He admitted that through three days, you can absolutely see Carr is a rookie. He even had to stop a drill and call a timeout just a minute into a scrimmage to give the kid some direct coaching. Yet, Redick’s still “really excited” about Carr, saying he picks things up quick and is “very confident” he’ll get opportunities. It shows a trust in potential, which is huge for a young squad trying to find its identity early in the season. Redick knows everyone makes mistakes, but it’s about whether your role lets you make “egregious” ones. For these young guys, it sounds like he’s willing to extend that leash a bit.
Adou Thiero’s “Unbelievable” Leap and the Wing Depth Battle
It’s not just Carr making waves. Adou Thiero, the second-year forward, barely played last season thanks to injuries. But Redick spilled that Thiero showed serious promise in summer league play back in July, and had an “unbelievable” stretch of development this offseason. That’s the kind of talk that makes you perk up, right? A guy who’s been sidelined coming back with that kind of fire. The catch for both these young talents is the Lakers’ newfound depth at the wing position. Carr and Thiero aren’t just walking into minutes; they’re battling for time against Quentin Grimes, Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams, Jake LaRavia, and Jarred Vanderbilt. That’s a stacked group, but Redick’s comments indicate he still sees a path for his young guys. If these two, who Redick calls “arguably the two most athletically gifted players on the roster,” can develop their skills, especially on offense, they could legitimately be the X-factor for how far this Lakers squad goes this season.
It’s early, but the message is clear: Redick is willing to invest in his young talent. The Lakers are looking to see if that potential, especially from Carr and Thiero, can translate into real impact. Keep your eyes on these two as the season gets rolling; they might just be the spark this team needs.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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