CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — There is a lot we don’t know about Tidjane Salaun, and let’s face it, in general what we don’t know scares us.
However, when it comes to the Hornets’ first-round pick, there is a lot to feel optimistic about.
“He is an amazing human being and I know he is going to do everything in his control to maximize himself,” said Hornets Executive VP of Basketball Operations Jeff Peterson.
If Salaun’s ceiling is as high as the Hornets believe it is, then Charlotte’s opponents might be in for serious trouble.
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Standing at 6-foot-9, the forward from Paris, France, possesses a long body that could make for a spectacular finisher at the rim, as well as an imposing defender both inside and out. It’s one of the reasons the Hornets front office fell in love with Salaun the first time they saw him.
“He is the guy that we had organizational alignment and conviction in from the very beginning,” Peterson added.
However, also attached to the youngest player in this year’s draft, is a heavy dose of buyer-beware.
“I can’t tell you my weakness, you will see,” joked Salaun shortly after he was picked sixth by Charlotte Wednesday night.
Oh, we have seen it alright, and it isn’t pretty.
The soon-to-be 19-year-old’s long-range jump shot leaves a lot to be desired. However, Salaun feels confident in himself as well that he has what he takes to make a big improvement.
“I’m going to adapt my play for my team and bring all the energy for my teammates, and for my coach and the crowd for sure,” Salaun explained.
Salaun will certainly be a project, and it’s one that could take a while before it reaches full bloom. If it happens, some envision him as a cross between Aaron Gordon and PJ Tucker. Granted they aren’t super, duper stars, but they are high-level starting forwards.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled that we have him,” Peterson said of his first-ever Hornets pick.
Hey if Peterson isn’t scared, well then maybe we shouldn’t be either.