Lakers head coach JJ Redick just dropped some serious news about second-year forward Adou Thiero: the kid has had an “unbelievable last two months of development.” This isn’t just coach-speak, folks. Thiero’s healthy summer after a brutal rookie year might just be the jolt the Lakers’ wing rotation needs, and it could totally shake up who gets minutes.
From Draft Pick to Injury List: Thiero’s Rough Start
Remember when the Lakers snatched Thiero 36th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft? There was some buzz, right? But then, year one hit him like a brick wall. He barely saw the court, logging only 183 minutes across the regular season and playoffs. It wasn’t his fault, though. Dude was plagued with injuries. First, swelling in his left knee knocked him out for all of preseason and the first 13 regular season games. Then, a sprained MCL in his right knee sidelined him for another six weeks from late December to mid-February. Talk about tough luck for a rookie trying to find his footing!
But even with all that, Thiero flashed some real potential. Down in the G League, he was a straight-up beast. In seven regular season games, he averaged 15.4 points, shooting an absurd 74.6 percent true shooting, including 62 percent on two-pointers. And in three Tip-Off Tournament games? He kept that same energy, averaging 15.0 points on 73.7 percent true shooting, hitting 66.7 percent of his two-pointers. He showed off imposing athleticism and dominant interior scoring, skills that make you wonder what could have been if he’d just stayed on the court.
JJ Redick’s Big Revelation: A Healthy Summer Changes Everything
Here’s where it gets wild. Thiero is healthy now, and it sounds like he’s making up for lost time. Redick told reporters Thursday, “It’s the first stretch he’s had since we’ve drafted him where he’s had uninterrupted time in the gym and his body’s been in great shape and he’s just gotten better.” That’s huge! For a guy who couldn’t catch a break with injuries, having a full, healthy summer to develop is massive.
The Lakers signed a bunch of wings this summer, like Quentin Grimes, Ziaire Williams, and Matisse Thybulle, to go with incumbents Jake LaRavia and Jarred Vanderbilt. But even with all those names, it feels like those minutes are wide open. The current projected rotation isn’t exactly loaded with explosive athleticism. So if Thiero can genuinely break through, his speed, strength, and above-the-rim finishing would bring a “welcomed, novel dynamic” to the squad. This kid could absolutely provide something different.
What To Watch For: Preseason Showtime
So, what’s next for Thiero and the Lakers? We’re going to get our first real glimpse of how much this healthy summer has paid off when they kick off their preseason slate. That first game is set for October 5 against the Sacramento Kings. Keep your eyes peeled, because if Thiero really did have an “unbelievable” two months, the Lakers could be looking at a serious contender for significant minutes, and that’s something to get excited about!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Silver Screen and Roll.
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