Legendary college basketball head coach John Calipari explained why the Los Angeles Lakers got “stolen” in the second round of the NBA Draft.
Some of the NBA greats were filmed in the second round of the draft. This includes three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, former defensive player of the year Raymond Green and NBA legend Dennis Rodman.
Teams will consider finding long-term role players in the second round, but sometimes they can find high players with the potential to develop into some of the world’s biggest talents.
Calipari believes the Lakers, who didn’t draft until the second round of this year, have realized they are players who continue their “great careers.”
The Lakers’ first pick in the 2025 NBA Draft was Adotiero. He is a ferocious and fearless player, and he is heart-warming and thrilled about everything he does in court.
His high motor makes him a monster on the open floor, whether in transition or driving in space. Thiero averaged 15.1 points per game coached by Arkansas Calipari.
It was thought that the Lakers would draft the center after Los Angeles’ Mark Williams trade fell to midseason. However, Tiero brings strength and defense to the wings.
Hall of Fame Calipari, three-time Coach of the Year and NCAA champion sang praises on social media after the draft.
“I’m very proud of the distance Adou was from 5’11’s ninth grade to becoming an NBA player,” Calipari said. “An incredible journey. Forgetting the rounds he’s been drafted and he’s the player they’re going to look at, “How did he steal.
“We went to those who have no second round or drafts who continue to win NBA careers!
The Lakers signed “number one goal scorer” Eric Dixon in college basketball, successfully completing the second day of the NBA Draft.
A clear weakness in Tiero’s game is his deep shooting. He shot 25.6% of ice cold from Arkansas’ third inning last season. This means the defender can leave him wide open and cut off his threatening drive to the hoop.
However, an article written by Ben Roberts for Kentucky Sports revealed why college shootings are poor and shocking.
“One drawback was his shooting touch. “Tiero’s hands are growing rapidly, making it difficult to properly hold and release the ball in a jump shot.
“He works through it and I’m confident that once he settles on what size he will be, the shooting strokes will come back.”
If Thiero grows into a respectable NBA shooter, the sky is his limit. But his size and length, combined with an endless motor, could make him a reliable defensive option for the future Lakers.