Rookie forward Adou Thiero finally logged his first NBA minutes on Nov. 15, stepping onto the floor for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.
Head coach JJ Redick had targeted the team’s four-game road swing for Thiero’s return from a prolonged rehab. With Rui Hachimura and Marcus Smart unavailable, the 21-year-old checked in late in the opening quarter. Moments after entering, he grabbed an offensive rebound that set up a Maxi Kleber three-pointer.
Thiero collected his first official points at the free-throw line during fourth-quarter action after the contest was out of reach. His highlight came in the final minute when Bronny James hit him in stride on the right wing for a two-handed dunk.
Game ball delivered by an opponent
When the buzzer sounded, several Lakers tried to claim the game ball so Thiero could commemorate the milestone. Game officials initially refused, but Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo intervened, retrieved the ball and handed it to the rookie.
“At first I didn’t realize everything was for me,” Thiero told Spectrum SportsNet. “I’m thankful for this team—it shows how connected we are and how much we want each other to succeed.”
Careful rehabilitation pays off
Redick reiterated after the game that Los Angeles had deliberately slowed Thiero’s recovery to ensure he was completely healthy before debuting. The 6-foot-8 forward’s explosive athleticism—on display during his late dunk—was one of the primary reasons the franchise exercised patience.
Whether Thiero earns a regular rotation role remains undecided, but teammates, coaches and even an opponent ensured his first appearance ended with a tangible reminder of the night.
Source: LakersNation.com
