1 dream, 1 real, & 1 disaster player comparison for Hornets big Tidjane Salaun
By Jack Simone
The Charlotte Hornets took a big-time swing with the sixth pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, selecting French forward Tidjane Salaun. There were rumors that they could move back in the draft, but they decided to stay put and take Salaun.
In the weeks leading up to the draft, Salaun was one of the fastest risers, moving from a guy who could have been picked late in the first round to the sixth-overall pick.
The 6-foot-9 forward has all the tools to be an impressive defender at the NBA level, and during his last season in France, he finally started to shoot the three-ball well.
But by taking a reach, Charlotte subjected themselves to the potential of a bust, so let’s look at one dream comparison, one realistic comparison, and one disaster comparison for Salaun.
Dream - Peak John Collins with better defense
Hornets fans may not love this comparison, considering where John Collins is at in the NBA right now, but if he was a plus on the defensive side of the ball, he would be a completely different player.
Next to LaMelo Ball, Salaun will be able to run, cut, and catch lobs, much like it was the dream for Collins to do next to Trae Young on the Atlanta Hawks.
Right now, Salaun isn’t the best perimeter defender, and that’s where Collins is at, too. But if Salaun can improve on that end while also utilizing his length to be a pest, he would enter a whole new echelon of players.
Collins with defense has the potential to be an All-Star in the NBA, and at his very best, that’s where Salaun could be as well.