Lakers fans will have to wait a bit longer to see rookie Adou Thiero in action as he recovers from a left knee injury. After having been selected with the No. 36 pick in the NBA Draft, anticipation was high for Thiero’s Summer League debut. However, the team has confirmed that he will sit out the games as he is still in the final stages of his return-to-play process.
Thiero, who previously dealt with the same knee injury while playing at the University of Arkansas, missed a month of play due to a hyperextension in February. He made a brief comeback during the NCAA Tournament but was unable to contribute significantly, logging only five minutes in a close loss to Texas Tech.
Although it’s unfortunate that Thiero won’t be participating in Summer League festivities, the positive takeaway is that he is expected to be fully cleared for training camp in September. With this additional time for recovery, the focus remains on ensuring he returns to full strength without the risk of setbacks.
While some fans may lament the missed opportunity to watch him develop in Summer League games, it makes more sense for Thiero to prioritize his health and readiness for the actual season ahead. The Lakers organization, well-aware of his prior injury history, likely anticipated this decision during the predraft evaluations.
Once cleared to take the court, fans can expect Thiero to showcase his impressive athleticism and defensive capabilities. In his last season at Arkansas, he averaged 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game over 36 games, highlighting his potential for a strong rookie season.
Overall, while the delay is disappointing, the focus on health ensures that Thiero can contribute effectively once he steps onto the court.