The Charlotte Hornets shocked many people when they took Tidjane Salaun with the No. 6 pick in the 2024 draft. There were a lot of high-variance prospects in the previous draft, but the young Frenchman being the sixth overall selection was a surprising turn of events.
Of course, the Hornets' scouts probably saw things in Salaun that not many others did. Still, taking him off the board that early in the draft might prove to be a botched job for the organization. It probably could have traded down and landed him while bringing in another asset or two.
Salaun didn't inspire much optimism with his middling Las Vegas Summer League performance. The fact that he could be the youngest player on a roster this season showed, as he averaged 9.0 points and 7.0 rebounds in 19.4 minutes per game while shooting 1-10 from 3-point range.
Tidjane Salaun details how playing in the NBA seems easier than Europe
Despite having just turned 19 in early August, Salaun has tried to come into the NBA with a veteran mindset. It appeared that way in a recent interview, with Mark Biernacki of "Sports Illustrated" describing his "mindset and demeanor" as evocative of that of a "seasoned veteran."
Hornets fans might also be thrilled to know that Salaun's assertion about the NBA should serve as proof that he is ready to soak up significant minutes once the regular season starts.
According to the youngster, NBA players are more aggressive on offense and defense, which he said would allow him to thrive because he wants to play physically. To be fair to Salaun, he does indeed look willing to bang bodies down low in spite of his lanky frame. He didn't look afraid to mix it with opponents in the paint during his brief time with Cholet Basketball and at summer league.
In addition, the Paris native has observed how interesting the contrast in officiating in the NBA and Europe is. Of course, there is typically a learning curve for players when adjusting to how referees call games. However, being cognizant of the differences should allow him to adapt to the whistle more quickly.
It will be intriguing to see how Charlotte intends to develop Salaun. Some pundits see him as a raw yet athletic prospect, but it's worth noting that the front office had viewed whoever it would select at the No. 6 spot before the draft as part of the team's core nucleus alongside LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Mark Williams.
If you ask the teenager, he would likely want to be entrusted with a key role early on. Given his high motor and appealing upside, there might be a pathway for Salaun to contribute to the Hornets as early as this season. However, it might be more realistic to expect him to spend much of his rookie campaign in the G League.