Fitting into the Hornets mold was not ” too difficult ” For Tidjane Salaün. ” Yes, compared to the environment of the last three weeks, everyone is very nice and that has helped me a lot because we have good communication. “, the Frenchman testifies in the Charlotte Observer.
Having a knee problem during his first sessions with the team, the 6th pick in the last Draft did not need much training before his first match with his new teammates. It wasn't that hard and I wasn't even surprised to pick up the pace faster ” he says.
The player trained by Cholet Basket seems to learn and adapt quickly. Local leaders were able to get a glimpse of this during his three appearances in the Summer League. In just under 20 minutes on average, he came close to a double-double with 9 points and 7 rebounds.
As he says, the most important thing for him is to play with confidence. That's what makes the difference. That's always been the key for me, always, because when you have confidence, even if it's complicated to shoot, with my confidence, I know I'm going to make it. I can be far from the 3-point line, but I'm sure I'm going to make it. […] And match after match, I will have more and more confidence in myself. You will see. »
Already very supported internally
On the sole issue of the three-point shot, it has not really been the case so far. In the summer league, he has only converted 10% of his attempts. On the other hand, when it comes to bringing the ball up in transition and finishing at the circle, Tidjane Salaün has shown his qualities.
Marked by having a ” big support “From the staff, the Frenchman does not forget that his playing time will not necessarily depend on his offensive contribution.
“ For me, defense is the most important thing. Because if you make a 'stop', you lock down a player, a team, and that can drive them crazy and then, it's a gift to run in transition, do your thing or (punish) 3-pointers. Anything is possible ” he imagines.
A speech and an attitude that already pleases internally. He embodies what we try to be. He works hard every day to improve himself. […] He is passionate about competition and often succeeds almost by his will to get an offensive rebound or convert a 3-pointer. He is only scratching the surface of what we think he can become. “, enthuses the regular assistant, Josh Longstaff, summer coach.
