One notable thing about him is his decisiveness and quick decision making even if not always the correct decision. Some of the most frustrating thing about watch a lot of our young guys in recent years is that they’ve looked way too tentative and nervous with the ball, which stops flow and allows the defense to setup. He moves the ball quick but still looks for his own shot when he’s got it.
He looks like a guy who will be able to make some energy contributions sooner than later.
I’m excited about this guy. I think he’ll be in the rotation sooner than a lot think.
“Definitely plays about 3 inches shorter than his reach.”
Absolutely!
I’m glad he’s viewed as a 3/4 at this stage, but I wonder what he could do at age 25 playing a 5-man role, focusing more on lane protection than all this perimeter action.
So I’ve watched a lot of video on Salaun and his recent playoff games, etc. I can see why they liked him so much within the context of this draft-he was a guy to take a shot on.
To preface, I am not being negative and this is not a dig. Tidjane reminds me of Kai Jones. Quite a bit. There’s enough to differentiate the two, but they’re relatively similar. Though, there’s more “cohesion” in Salaun’s game that makes him come off as a more defined prospect.
I think it’s because of the good team he plays on. That French club obviously plays good ball and Tidjane knows his place in the system, his role, and how to operate.
I’ll traveling now but I’ll update this post later with some thoughts on him
And hopefully Tidjane reminds us of Kai Jones in the sense that Rudy Gobert reminded us of Alexis Ajinca. That would be nice!
This was Giannis’s draft profile, now I’m saying Salaun will end up like him but they are very similar reports.
Strengths: * Possesses all the ideal physical tools
Weaknesses: * Hasn’t played at a high level in Europe
I will say that Salaun‘s looks better than Giannis’ shot, even today.
Just a funny thing to point out.
From watching a good bit of Salaun, I’ve noticed his signature dunk move is to go hard with two hands, swing up his legs, hang on the rim with one hand and pause for dramatic affect, and then swinging more or dropping down with his arm still up.
We need to take bets for guessing how many times his first year he gets called for the technical foul for when he does that dunk celebration in the nba. He does it a lot, and the refs are going to blow the whistle on that kid so fast lol. I can sense nba officials getting their whistles ready right now haha.
But seriously though, we should take bets to guess how many times he gets called for it.
They’re very different players. Salaun is a primarily a 3&D PF, who can guard down and, in 2-3 years, might well be strong enough to play small ball 5. He’s yet to show he’s much of a shot blocker, unlike Giannis at the same point. Whether that’s due to scheme or current ability remains to be seen. Giannis was more of a point forward, with better handles. Salaun is a better shooter. Giannis played much more on-ball, Salaun off-ball.
Maybe Salaun develops his handles and shot creation to the point he can be a monster sized 3, but for the moment he’s a young and very promising 3&D PF. If you’ve watched Risacher, Saulun is a bigger but less refined version. A PF version of Risacher with a lower floor but higher celing, IMHO.
I agree. His frame potentially seems to be reminiscent of Giannis’ but he doesn’t seem to have the same game at the same age. Aside from the shot blocking diff, he seems to have s better shot at shooting 3s. Would love to see him with on ball handling.
I am thinking he resembles the make up of Shawn marion .5 to 2.0
I’m not quite seeing the defense others are picking up on. I have a hard time differentiating “motor” from defense. Maybe he has the tools to be a good defensive player. I’ll look again at videos of him.
I haven’t heard anything about this regarding Tidjane Salaun. And I figure we won’t know anything for a while. But is he actually going to be on the active roster in charlotte this year
Honestly, I figured he would play another season in France on his team and then do the G League in 2025.
I’d take the over on him playing rotation minutes for over half the season in Charlotte. Very much in line with Marks rookie year, logging some 2024 time with the Swarm but then transfer back permanently in early 2025.
If for some reason we do retain Bridges, then timeline shifts out outside of injuries
This JUST popped up in my recommended YouTube viewing list about 2 minutes ago. I don’t know why it didn’t pop up sooner because I’ve been searching on Hornets and Tidjane for days.
I just feel he is going to play right away for us. I really want him with the team as soon as possible. Throw him into the fire. That’s one thing I’ve hated that we’ve done a lot. I’d rather play guys to get ready, instead of how we tend to do it. Just my thoughts though.
The NBA fire? That’s pretty Old Testament/medicine ball. He’s 18. Throw him into the G League kiddy pool for a few months. Low to no pressure.
I feel that he’s better suited to play in an expanded role for his French team next season and then coming to the states in 2025 to play in the g league for half the season before he moves up into a small role on the charlotte squad.
But what do I know? Nothing at all really.
Regardless of timeline, the one thing I don’t want is him to spend a season away from Lee. I want Salaun immersed in our systems, techniques, ethos etc. Swarm for as long as he needs, then into the rotation.
I just don’t think you draft a guy at 6, and then let him stay overseas. I too rather him develop here, with our team.