At 19 years old and 2m03 tall, Tidjane Salaün arrives in the NBA with his energy, his desire to do well… and his eyes (and ears) wide open!
Drafted in 6th position last June, the former Cholet winger is nevertheless considered a “baby” in the Grand League, with a mountain of things to learn, starting with adapting to a new country and a whole new life , far from what he knew in the Mauges… But the boy has already adopted the right attitude.
“He came to me and asked: 'Coach, in this situation, what can I do better?' », smiles Hornets coach Charles Lee. “When you have a player like that, who is so interested in details, we know he is going to be successful in this League. He learns very quickly. I'm super happy with Tidjane. »
Taken in hand by the assistant, Ryan Frazier, who gives him a lot of advice during the various sessions of the training camp taking place this week, Tidjane Salaün puts in the towel. And he wants more!
“It’s more up to me to seek advice, because if I want to become a great player, I’m going to need it”recognizes the Frenchman. “I’ve always done it like that, so why not go talk about it directly with the coaches? Because they are already in the NBA. »
“I tend to want to go faster than the music”
So, when asked what aspect of his game he needs to improve on the most, the rookie is quick to answer.
“My creation, for sure. I have to progress on this because it will bring a new dimension to my playing. And then, I know that I have to go slower because I'm learning and I tend to want to go faster than the music. Obviously it's not the best thing to do because all the guys are so athletic, I have to play smarter. »
Author of a most convincing season last year with Cholet, notably with an average of 10 points and 4 rebounds in the FIBA Champions League (and a trophy for best young person in the competition), Tidjane Salaün is going through the stages at supersonic speed. And the young talent already feels like a fish in water in North Carolina.
“I think I'm already in a good rhythm, since I've been playing with the team since the start of the workouts. It's easier for me to train, even when the intensity increases. I did well playing my game and communicating with others. How are you, [la transition] wasn't too difficult. »
