What Will This Forward’s Role Be for the Hornets This Season?

The first year of Tidjane Salaun’s NBA career in Charlotte was a learning experience. The six-foot-eight forward, who just turned 20 years old, didn’t steal the show with his 5.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 33% shooting percentage, but he caught attention with his hustle, rebounding, and defensive length. Yes, he is raw, but he is also fearless, which is why the Hornets selected him with the sixth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. His second season will be focused on putting those flashes into action while demonstrating his ability to contribute to Charlotte’s long-term goals.

For a young forward who is still developing his offensive skills, the road to more playing time is not easy. The reality that Miles Bridges is the starting power forward is not going to change anytime soon. Salaun will need to take advantage of the early-season chance that Grant Williams’ severe knee injury from last November may still prevent him from playing as many minutes as normal. His true home will be at the four, competing in the paint, but if his shooting improves, there’s a small possibility he’ll get minutes at the three. 

Salaun will have competition from both younger and more experienced players. Rookie Liam McNeeley, who provides a dependable shooting stroke that can space the floor, and Moussa Diabate, who never stops bouncing back and bringing enthusiasm, will both be players fighting with Salaun for minutes at the power forward position. Even though Salaun’s defensive versatility gives him the ability to guard a variety of positions, he still needs to increase his shooting efficiency. His minutes will increase quickly if he can improve near the rim and raise his three-point percentage into the mid-30s. 

Hornets’ fans should expect Salaun to start the season as an exciting bench option who plays 15-20 minutes every night. Salaun’s size, quickness, and upside make him an ideal addition to the Hornets’ young core, which they are still working on. Being a player that the coaching staff trusts every night is the goal of year two, not becoming a superstar. This season will be the start of a larger part in Charlotte’s future if he can make it to that point.