Hornets are adopting the long view with top pick Salaun

When the sixth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft was on the clock, the expectation was that the Charlotte Hornets would use it to select a guard that could help share the scoring and facilitating role from star point guard LaMelo Ball. If the Hornets were not going to bolster their backcourt, perhaps they would tab one of the collegiate big men available and give new Head Coach Chris Lee a physical low post player to clean up missed shots, make easy buckets, and dissuade would be penetrating opposing players from entering the paint. New General Manager Jeff Peterson eschewed both options, and raised eyebrows, when he submitted the name of French forward Tidjane Salaun who played previously with Cholet Basket of the French LNB Elite.

Peterson’s predecessor, Mitch Kupchak, began a rebuilding plan before his retirement. Knowing the futility of a quick build that would probably sentence the Hornets to years of mediocrity, at best, Kupchak sought to assemble a group of young players with high ceilings that could grow together into a championship contender. It would not be quick or easy, but he was beginning to assemble the necessary pieces. He already had a generational star in Ball, and he added versatile small forward Brandon Miller with the second overall selection in 2023. Kupchak handed the two building blocks to Peterson and hoped he had the same vision.

Peterson did. There was no question his new 6’8” forward, who barely cracked 200 lbs. in pre-draft measurements, was equal parts athletically gifted and extremely raw. Salaun was going to take a substantial amount of work to be able to maximize his gifts. He was not physically prepared for either the 48 minutes of NBA games or the grueling 82 game schedule. Peterson and Lee recognized it would be foolish to try and force the issue of significant minutes. The reality was that no matter who the Hornets drafted in 2024, they were ticketed for the draft lottery in 2025. With both men in their first season with the organization, they could expect a certain level of understanding from ownership and fans if their new asset did not light up the scoresheet. They were committed to Kupchak’s plan and wanted the best player to win consistently in 2026 and beyond, not 2024.

Salaun enters the NBA already possessing superior defensive skills. At this point in his development, he relies on his speed and instincts to compensate for his lanky frame. His 7’1” wingspan forces opponents to alter their shot and his foot speed keeps them from blowing past him for easy penetration. Lee has limited his exposure to stronger, veteran foes. He is averaging only 16.9 minutes-per-game but is averaging 3.8 rebounds-per-game and chipping in 0.3 and 0.2 steals and blocks-per-game, respectively. His last game, against the Orlando Magic, was his best. In 30 minutes, Salaun had seven rebounds. A healthy dose of protein shakes and time in the weight room will be the quickest prescription to increase all of those statistics.

In France, Salaun’s offense was inconsistent but encouraging. He was unafraid to launch shots from behind the three point arc. While he was willing to take more than four three point shot- per-game, he was only successful on 31%. He contributed sufficiently on attacking in transition and could back his way down for shots closer to the basket. His youth and frame have limited his ability to create those same opportunities in the more physical NBA. Salaun will need to work on all aspects of his game in the offensive zone. His 28.8% shooting from the field is disappointing. He is only connecting on 27.5% of his three pointers. Those numbers are a little deceiving in that he has only attempted 37 shots. Peterson and Lee knew offense would be the last tool to develop for Salaun.

Salaun is one of the youngest players in the Association. Growing pains were to be expected. Nothing in his brief tenure should be cause for alarm. If he all he does is add weight and strength, Salaun can still be a lockdown defender and a rotational depth piece. That is the worst case scenario. If the Hornets remain patient and allow Salaun to mature and adapt to a new league and a new culture, there is an enticing potential third foundational piece. Should he reach his potential, Charlotte could have all-star caliber players in the backcourt, on the wings, and down low. If they can add reliable depth and additional scoring options in the coming seasons, significant disappointment from recent seasons will be forgotten and the Hornets will have the opportunity to become the buzz of Charlotte. If that occurs, it was because they were wise enough to use the draft the way it was intended. Smart general managers know that selecting for tomorrow’s promise is preferable to selecting for today’s need. Peterson, Lee, and their long suffering fans hope Salaun rewards their foresight and patience.