The Hornets selected Tidjane Salaün with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Salaün is an 18-year old forward from France, who averaged 9.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 22.6 minutes for Cholet’s Senior Team in the French Pro A league.
Salaün impressed in international play last year, leading the 2023 FIBA U18 World Cup team in scoring with 12.9 points per game.
When asked about his strengths and weaknesses, Salaün told the media “My first strength is my motor and confidence. Weakness…I can’t tell you, we will see.”
Salaün will likely be an offensive project, but his size and defensive versatility should translate immediately to the NBA. The new Hornets forward stands 6-feet 9-inches tall, with a 7-foot 1-inch wingspan.
Two-way wing players are few and far between in the NBA, making them a premium commodity to teams around the league. Salaün’s upside proved to be the deciding factor for the Hornets, with Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, Jeff Peterson saying, “[Tidjane] is the guy who we had organizational alignment and conviction in. He’s the youngest player in the draft, tons of upside and a great frame.”
The Hornets will have a chance to add another player to the roster tomorrow, holding the 42nd overall pick in the NBA Draft.
