In a swift move that fortified their roster, the Charlotte Hornets snagged French athlete Tidjane Salaun as the sixth pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, held last Wednesday night, QC News reports. Salaun, an 18-year-old forward boasting a towering height of 6-foot-9, ascends to the NBA from Cholet Basket of the French LNB Pro A league, and he's not just about height; last season he notched an average of 9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.1 steals across 22.7 minutes per game.
His selection by the Hornets marks a momentous first for the new front office and its freshly minted head coach, Charles Lee, showcasing the team's eagerness to infuse young, high-potential talent into its ranks, as per this QC News report. Salaun's prowess is not just limited to his stats; he distinguished himself by earning the 2023-24 Basketball Champions League Best Young Player, took home the MVP at the 2023 Trophy of the Future tournament, and has represented France at the 202vecchia3 FIBA U18 European Championship, according to the NBA's official Hornets news page.
The Hornets' choice of Salaun is steeped in a strategy of harnessing fresh talent with international experience, his resume boasting participation in the 2023 Basketball Without Borders camp and having a family thread in the sport with his sister, Janelle, who plays professional basketball in France, illustrates the importance of family and passion intertwining to drive a player's journey to the NBA as noted on the NBA's official Hornets news page.
Looking ahead, Salaun's skills will soon be on display when the Hornets participate in the 2024 NBA Summer League; the anticipation builds as the seasonal showcase kicks off with the California Classic on July 6, following by the main event which takes place from July 12-22 in Las Vegas, this according to Sports Illustrated, and as Draft Digest's earlier scouting report on Salaun suggested, he's a combo forward whose growth spurt up to 6-foot-10 hasn't detracted from his perimeter skills, he's a well-rounded athlete with a knack for scoring at all three levels, especially given his forward explosiveness, making him a player to watch once he hits the hardwood.
