In five preseason games, Tidjane Salaün compiled 11.8 points and 7.2 rebounds in 28 minutes averaging 40% success, including 41% at 3-points. And the French rookie was not afraid to draw from afar, quite the contrary…
“I’m reading Kobe Bryant’s book” he explains about his preparation. “Even he says he can't take every shot, but his confidence remains high because if he has to take one last shot, he'll take it. And that's why my confidence increases… I love shooting so every opportunity that presents itself, I'm going to take it. »
The 6th choice of the last Draft therefore does not intend to err on the side of timidity, unlike other French people.
“He has the eye of the tiger” assures Charles Lee, Charlotte’s coach. “This kid is fearless and works very hard. I am very happy that all his work, during the summer and on a daily basis, is bearing fruit. He played with confidence, he played physical…and he’s just scratching the surface of his talent.”
“He has confidence in himself and that’s something that can’t be taught. Like his energy too, or his state of mind”
For Grant Williams too, Tidjane Salaün has everything it takes to go very high.
“He has confidence in himself and that’s something that can’t be taught”explains his teammate. “Like his energy too, or his state of mind. It's something that varies greatly. I remember when he was drafted, people said he still had three years (of development) left in him, that he was raw… People didn't realize how good he is at shooting, how confident he is with the ball in his hands. »
It now remains to be seen whether the Hornets will offer him a real place in the rotation in his first season, even if Grant Williams assures that it will inevitably happen, at one point or another…
“Things are already slowing down for him. The game will slow down and he will start to see the impact he can have on our team, not just this year, but for years to come. And I think he'll be really special, because he works like crazy and he does it by bringing joy into the locker room every day. »
