Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick said on March 9 that rookie Adou Thiero is making progress in his development, but opportunities for him in the team’s rotation remain limited at this time.
Thiero, who was drafted in the second round out of Arkansas, has faced challenges this season due to injuries. He missed Summer League, training camp, and preseason because of a knee injury and later suffered another setback that kept him sidelined for about six weeks. Now healthy, Thiero has been playing with the Lakers’ G League team to regain his rhythm. He recently had a standout performance in Santa Cruz, scoring 25 points with six rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and one steal while shooting 10-of-12 from the field and making all five three-point attempts.
Redick addressed Thiero’s situation during practice on Monday. “I think with him, he didn’t have a summer. Had some medical issues, didn’t get to play, didn’t get to do preseason. So kind of was catching up. We had some injuries, got him some rotation minutes. But then he got hurt again,” Redick said.
He continued: “Adou and I talked at the beginning of the year, and really felt that this was, particularly with not knowing when he would come back and be healthy, that this was very likely gonna be a development year, particularly at the beginning, and then to have the re-injury. So he needs to play basketball. I think we had a great conversation last week just about the importance of being down there and really just being coached and working on the right habits. I think in four of the last five games (in the G League), he’s been really good. He’s been really good. I think he’s in a good spot to sort of embrace that. As far as it relates to our rotation, I have a hard enough time when we’re healthy getting everyone minutes as it is. But I think our staff, myself, I know I was pushing for it early in the year, definitely want to get him opportunities. Those opportunities are not there right now. That’s just the reality.”
The Lakers currently have a crowded rotation as they prepare for a postseason run. While Thiero offers athleticism and defensive skills that could benefit the team on the wing, Redick indicated that developing Thiero remains their priority for now.
Redick also commented on his satisfaction with where the Lakers stand after their recent win over the New York Knicks—described as their best defensive performance of the season—and expressed optimism heading into the final stretch of regular games.
