BREAKING: The Los Angeles Lakers have traded the No. 45 pick & cash to the Minnesota Timberwolves for the No. 36 pick, where they selected high-flying guard Adou Thiero! ….

The Trade & Pick

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Who Is Adou Thiero?

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⚡ Strengths & NBA Fit

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• Defensive potential: Steal/block rates, plus agility and physical tools, lead scouts to label him a future “3-and‑D” wing .
• Lakers’ vision: Rob Pelinka emphasized their belief in Thiero as a first‑round caliber talent, praising his defensive upside, athleticism, and fit; even compared him to OG Anunoby .

⚠️ Concerns

• Scarce shooting: Career 3‑pt around 25–28%, inconsistent mechanics. Free-throw shooting also concerning (~59–69%) .
• Offensive polish: Limited handle, jump-shot creation, and decision-making. Needs to develop spacing, shot selection, and playmaking .

Expert Grades & Comparisons

• Draft grades: Yahoo gave A, ESPN B+, USA Today B–; CBS Sports and Bleacher Report gave C’s—credited athletic and defensive traits, warned about shot .
• Player comps: NBA comparisons include OG Anunoby, Peyton Watson, Michael Kidd‑Gilchrist, Jae Crowder, and Toumani Camara.
• Reddit consensus: Many see him as a potential top‑20 pick, praising athletic upside and high ceiling, but cautioning shooting remains the gatekeeper .

Outlook in L.A.

• The Lakers clearly targeted Thiero to inject youthful athleticism, defense, and transition impact.
• With JJ Redick now as head coach (and shooting guru), there’s optimism he can help refine Thiero’s jumper—potentially transforming him into a legitimate 3-and‑D contributor