Latest news with #SweetSixteen
USA Today
11 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Rob Pelinka: Lakers considered Adou Thiero a first-round talent
On Thursday, the Los Angeles Lakers traded up from the No. 55 pick in the NBA draft in order to gain the rights to Adou Thiero, a forward from the University of Arkansas. It took two trades to do so, but plenty of people feel the team may have gotten a steal. Thiero is one of the most athletic players in this year's draft class and is an outstanding finisher who attacks the basket strongly. He is a poor outside shooter and needs to refine his defense, but he could have the potential to become a legitimate rotation player or even a starter down the road. Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka told Spectrum SportsNet that the team's scouts considered the 6-foot-8, 220-pound wing to be a first-round talent. 'We were super aggressive to begin the day knowing that we didn't have a first-round pick. Adou was projected by our scouts as a first-round talent and so we were able to turn 55, which is a late-second round pick to a high second-round pick to pick a player that we had projected in the first round. So it's almost like having the first-round pick that we traded out. Tons of credit, thankful for the support of Jeanie [Buss] to allow us to be aggressive and use resources to win at the margins, move up in the draft and get a player that we really think is gonna dimensionalize our roster. We just felt like one of the things we need to address was to get younger and more athletic on the wings. Being able to get a player like Adou that can catch lobs from the corner when Luka [Doncic] is making paint decisions I think is gonna be really special. And then he's just got big shoulders, big chest, a guy that's gonna play defense and add some physicality and athleticism to our roster. So super excited about that. '... I think all of us watched the playoffs and just the way the game is being officiated now, there's a lot more physicality in the game. So being able to add a young man like Adou, who's just gifted. He's a beast. I think obviously we're gonna get him in the weight room and get him conditioned. But I think the tools that he has, you can really see a vision for him to be one of those really elite, physical, athletic wings that are so necessary to winning in the league.' One thing that may have scared other teams out of taking Thiero is a hyper-extended knee he suffered in February. He returned in the Sweet Sixteen round, but he played just five minutes as the Razorbacks lost in overtime to Texas Tech University. Still, he averaged 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.6 steals a game and shot 54.5% from the field this past season. He gets to the free throw line often, and he may be able to improve his 3-point accuracy since his shooting form doesn't look broken. In three years of college basketball, he made just 28.4% of his attempts from beyond the arc.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lakers draft SEC star after trade with Timberwolves
The post Lakers draft SEC star after trade with Timberwolves appeared first on ClutchPoints. As has been the case since the Los Angeles Lakers first signed LeBron James in 2018, there is substantial pressure on general manager Rob Pelinka and the front office to make impactful moves in the offseason. The Purple and Gold hopes it just completed one at the 2025 NBA Draft. LA traded the No. 45 pick and cash considerations to the Minnesota Timberwolves for the right to select wing Adou Thiero with the No. 36 overall selection, via Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. Advertisement The former Arkansas Razorbacks star brings excellent athleticism and versatility to the Lakers, something the team seriously requires after dealing away Anthony Davis in the mammoth Luka Doncic trade. John Calipari-coached players have flourished in the NBA over the last decade and a half — one just won both Finals MVP and regular season MVP honors — and Pelinka obviously believes Thiero has the traits to become a valuable component on this team. What Adou Thiero can do for the Lakers Three different franchises laid claim to the No. 36 pick before it landed in Los Angeles. The Brooklyn Nets sent the previously unknown asset to the Phoenix Suns, who used it to grab Rasheer Fleming at No. 31 after making a move with the Timberwolves. If Thiero develops an acceptable jump shot (25.6 percent from 3-point range), those teams may regret not taking him when they had the chance. The 21-year-old played sparingly with Kentucky during the first two years of his collegiate career, but he blossomed into an undeniable force after following Calipari to Fayetteville. Adou Thiero averaged 15.8 points on 54.5 percent shooting with 5.8 rebounds and 1.6 steals in 27 games last season. Advertisement Arkansas' scoring leader suffered a knee injury in late February and missed almost the entirety of his squad's NCAA Tournament run. He logged only five minutes in the Razorbacks' brutal Sweet Sixteen loss to Texas Tech. Fans are still thinking about how far Arkansas could have gone if the 6-foot-8 Pennsylvania native was healthy. The Lakers are counting on Thiero to help them fulfill their own postseason ambitions. He aims to become a key part of this transitioning era of LA basketball. Related: Lakers make multiple signings following NBA Draft Related: Lakers land NCAA top scorer with interesting 1st move after NBA Draft
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
The Nets draft Adou Thiero at No. 36 — for the Lakers
When Thursday started, the Los Angeles Lakers had the No. 55 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. They then traded it, along with cash, to the Chicago Bulls for the No. 45 pick. But they weren't done, as they later shipped off that No. 45 pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves for the No. 36 pick. That pick was originally held by the Brooklyn Nets, who then sent it to Minnesota. Many thought L.A. had its sights set on taking a center in the second round, and there was a belief that its target was Ryan Kalkbrenner, a center out of Creighton University. Instead, the Lakers are getting a wing. The Nets took wing Adou Thiero, a forward out of the University of Arkansas, and he will be a member of the Purple and Gold. Adiero is 6-foot-8 and 218 pounds and possesses tremendous athleticism. He has three years of college experience, but he still has a good amount of upside, especially on the defensive end. He averaged 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.6 steals a game while shooting 54.5% from the field this past season while helping his school reach the Sweet Sixteen round of the men's NCAA Tournament. The Lakers need help at the wing spot, as well as more athleticism, and perhaps Thiero will help.
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Why Derik Queen may slide in the 2025 NBA Draft
For quite awhile it seemed like Maryland's magical run to the Sweet Sixteen would serve as a launchpad for Derik Queen to hear his name called early on during the 2025 NBA Draft. Despite some incredible highlights during the NCAA Tournament, it seems that narrative has run out of juice and some concerns around his game may have impacted his draft stock. For The Win's Bryan Kalbrosky's final mock draft has Queen at No. 7 overall to New Orleans, but If center slides out of the lottery on Wednesday night, it won't be a huge shock. 2025 NBA Mock Draft 8.0: Final predictions and updated intel for all 59 picks To understand why, first start with Queen's NBA Combine results. He measured a bit undersized for a center at 6'9.25' barefoot. He ranked last among all participants in lane agility time (12.45 seconds), tied for worst in standing vertical (23.5 inches), second-worst in shuttle run (3.27 seconds), second-worst in three-quarter sprint (3.52 seconds), and tied for second-worst in max vertical leap (28.0 inches). More, according to Jeremy Woo via ESPN: Queen continues to receive mixed feedback on the workout circuit, with questions still hovering over his conditioning, shooting mechanics and competitive on-off switch. Although he is regarded as the most skilled big in the class offensively, he doesn't appear to be maximizing some of the factors within his control and, as a result, hasn't gathered much upward momentum during the pre-draft process. Perhaps most concerning was a quote given by a Western Conference scout to David Aldridge of The Athletic: 'Nice kid. Heavy emphasis on kid. We interviewed him, and he's 19 going on 14. He can do one thing: he can score. But you don't want to have to rely on a rookie scoring for you to contribute.' The Baltimore native averaged 16.5 points, 9.0 rebounds and shot 52.6 percent from the floor as a freshman last season. That might be more than enough reason for a team to grab him early. If not, he'll make a another club very happy with his slide.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lakers Projected To Draft Strong Russian Center With High Upside
Lakers Projected To Draft Strong Russian Center With High Upside originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Los Angeles Lakers' dire need for a big man has been made well-known coming into the offseason. While the team has been linked to several potential big men who could fit the role, the Purple and Gold have a real opportunity to build their frontcourt rotation through the draft itself. Advertisement The No. 55 pick could be the key to unlocking the team's potential by drafting a solid big man. As per other projections, the Lakers have been linked with Australian big man Rocco Zikarsky. However, as per Clutch Points' Brett Siegel, the Purple and Gold could be projected to draft Russian center Vladislav Goldin out of Michigan. As per his scouting report, Goldin could be an appropriate fit for the Lakers, coming out of the second round. "As a true seven-footer in socks, Goldin is a long and fluid athlete. He has excellent core strength, and his good footwork is a consistent factor in keeping his balance." "Goldin is built to play as a five, but can stretch the floor. On the defensive end, he has a slow first step but has the footwork to effectively play out of the paint and generate stops against smaller scorers." Advertisement "He's not a good athlete vertically, but the size and length compensate for that, with an officially measured wingspan at 7'5.25'." Goldin spent five years playing collegiate basketball. After starting as a freshman at Texas Tech, he moved to Florida Atlantic to play out the next three years. However, the season he made his breakthrough was the 2024-25 season with Michigan. His time at Michigan also yielded a lot of success for the team, as he was named the MVP of the Big Ten conference as well. Unfortunately, they came up short at the NCAA tournament after being eliminated by Auburn at the Sweet Sixteen round. In 37 games, during his senior year at Michigan, the big man put up averages of 16.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. He also showed tremendous efficiency from the field with shooting splits of 60.7% FG. Advertisement The biggest advantage Goldin has, in comparison to other big men in the league today, is that he is primarily an interior presence. Cultivating this ability has made him a monster on the offensive glass, helping him notch an average of 2.4 offensive rebounds per game in college. At 24 years old, Goldin appears to be an NBA-ready talent. His sturdy 240-pound frame readily implies that he won't be pushed off the block and can hold his own in the paint. Although he was a high usage center with Michigan, this may not necessarily be the case if he is drafted by the Lakers. Some points of concern in his offensive game include his hesitation while shooting as well as his limited creativity with the ball in his hand. However, the Purple and Gold could still aim to develop a player like him, given the growth potential, as he has drawn player comparisons to Clippers big man Ivica Zubac. Advertisement Zubac, who was also a Lakers player early in his career, blossomed into one of the league's finest big men later on. With the room to develop on the Clippers, the Bosnian went from a bench player to becoming one of the most vital players in the starting rotation. Goldin could be a valuable addition to the Lakers' currently non-existent big man rotation. With Jaxson Hayes entering free agency, the Purple and Gold currently have no centers on their roster. Acquiring a big man has become a top priority for the team. To this extent, the team has even outlined the preferred type of big man they will be on the lookout for. The most important aspect is that the Lakers need an athletic center, specifically one who can act as a lob threat next to Luka Doncic. Although the team hoped to pair Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams with their star before the trade deadline, this deal was rescinded, effectively leaving the Lakers rudderless. Advertisement The Lakers have currently been linked to several big men, both via trade as well as free agency. Nets big man Nic Claxton and Mavs center Daniel Gafford have garnered the most attention thus far. With a lot of moves to make, the Lakers would hope to have some depth in their big man rotation. Goldin's fluidity under the basket and surprisingly athletic skill would make for a good addition, considering the team's current circumstances. Related: NBA Rumors: 4 Veterans The Lakers Could Acquire This Offseason This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on May 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
