Tidjane Salaün

Tidjane Salaün has quickly made a name for himself in the NBA since being drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in the first round as the 6th overall pick in 2024. Born on August 10, 2005, in Paris, France, Salaün brought international flair and a promising skill set to the league straight out of the draft. Standing at an impressive height of 81 inches (approximately 6 feet and 9 inches) and weighing 207 pounds, he primarily plays in the forward position, showcasing versatility and agility uncommon for players of his stature. During his rookie season with the Hornets, Salaün demonstrated his potential by participating in both the regular season and the preseason. In the regular season, he appeared in 20 games, starting 8, and accumulated notable stats including a total of 100 points, 81 rebounds, 19 assists, and 12 steals. His scoring average stood at 5.0 points per game, complemented by an average of 4.05 rebounds and 1.0 assists, illustrating his all-around contributions on the court. Salaün's defensive skills were also on display with a total of 3 blocks, highlighting his ability to impact games on both ends of the floor. His preseason performance further underlined his potential as a key player for the Hornets. Over 5 games, Salaün averaged 11.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 0.4 steals per game. Notably, his three-point shooting percentage of 40.5% in the preseason indicated his capability to stretch the floor and add another dimension to the Hornets' offense. Despite his rookie status, Salaün has shown signs of becoming a valuable asset to the Charlotte Hornets. His early contributions suggest a player with significant upside, capable of developing into a cornerstone for the franchise in the years to come. As Salaün continues to adapt to the NBA's pace and physicality, his growth and development will be crucial for the Hornets' aspirations in both the regular season and beyond.