One of the consistent themes from both Los Angeles Lakers players and brass over the past week is excitement about second-year wing Adou Thiero. He didn’t play much as a rookie because of various injuries (and being buried on the depth chart) but has put those setbacks behind him and seems to have leveraged a healthy offseason to significantly grow his game.
Head coach JJ Redick raved about him when speaking with media last week while Thiero talked at media day about his newfound comfort after a productive
summer. Luka Dončić also made clear how impressed he is by his high-flying teammate during a recent interview with ESPN LA radio during Media Day.
“The main difference is [I’m] healthy. I got a chance to go out and compete this week in training camp,” Thiero said. “That’s what I’ve been working on this whole summer, just trying to make sure my body’s right, figuring that out. Trying to stay on the floor so I can actually get out there and play.”
Thiero has dealt with various injuries dating back to his collegiate days and recognizes discretion in applying his tremendous athleticism is a prerequisite for staying healthy. The Lakers presumably want Thiero to wield his speed, strength and explosiveness whenever possible, particularly given the novel elements he can provide this team athletically, but also know they’re useless aspects if doing so keeps off the court. As he enters year two, he’s trying to be more selective.
“Definitely got to pick and choose when I can be athletic on the floor,” Thiero said. “Now, my athleticism puts me in harms way sometimes. If I’m in the air for too long, someone might try and undercut me or something. So, just knowing when to play off two [feet] and knowing when to put somebody in the rim.”
Thiero will have a chance to compete for rotation minutes with plenty of others in a crowded wing room. He may be facing an uphill battle to beat out his peers but is undoubtedly better positioned now than a year ago.
You can follow Jackson on Twitter at @jackfrank_jjf.
