2025 NBA Draft Scouting Report for Los Angeles Lakers No. 36 Pick Adou Thiero
The LA Lakers have selected Adou Thiero with the No. 36 pick in the 2025 NBA draft. The pick was acquired from the Minnesota Timberwolves in a draft night trade.
The 21-year-old enters the league as a small forward boasting a 7-foot wingspan and the kind of athleticism that translates on both ends of the floor.
He’s a relentless defender and rebounder, using his length to generate turnovers, erase shots at the rim and attack the glass.
Offensively, he's most effective as a finisher, cutting off-ball, running in transition and rising above defenders at the rim.
Thiero's ceiling hinges on whether his perimeter shooting can catch up to the rest of his game. If it does, he could become a valuable two-way presence in modern lineups that prioritize speed, length and versatility.
Even if the shot remains a work in progress, his motor and defensive instincts give him a strong chance to carve out a role early.
Thiero ranks No. 39 on B/R NBA draft expert Jonathan Wasserman's Top 75 Prospect Big Board.
Essential Facts and Stats
College: Arkansas | Position: SF | Height: 6'6" | Weight: 218 lbs | Age: 21 | Wingspan: 7'0" | PPG: 15.1 | RPG: 5.8 | APG: 1.9 | BPG: 0.7 | SPG: 1.6 | FG%: 54.5 | 3PT%: 25.6
Realistic Pro Comparison: Keldon Johnson
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Thiero projects to play a similar role as San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson if he's able improve his shotmaking.
Both have similar frames, can switch between the small forward and power forward positions, and they're at their best in the open floor or attacking the rim.
Neither probably projects as an All-Star. But like Johnson, Thiero can carve out a starter role in the league. Can he keep it is the question, as it's also been with Johnson as his role evolves with the Spurs.
Strengths
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- Finishing
- Defensive and Physical Tools
- Improving Creation
Thiero finishes with ferocity, ruthlessly attacks the boards and drops jaws in transition.
The small forward is powerful and fearless, and there is an undeniable physicality driving most everything he does.
Weaknesses
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- Shooting
- Ball-Handling
- Defensive Consistency
Thiero doesn’t shoot. Like, at all.
He attempted just 74 threes over three collegiate campaigns, making only 21.
His 71.1 career free-throw percentage leaves little hope for development in this department.
