Tidjane Salaun may have an unfamiliar name that puzzles American audiences, but NBA fans should start practising its pronunciation: “tee-JOHN sahl-OWN.” The French prospect has made significant strides in the pre-draft process, positioning himself as a likely top-10 pick in the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft.
Similar to the revolutionary film movement, the French New Wave, France has become a hotbed of basketball talent. Following in the footsteps of last year’s No. 1 pick and reigning Rookie of the Year, Victor Wembanyama, Salaun is expected to join the lottery ranks. The draft’s top picks could feature several French players, including Alexandre Sarr and Zacharie Risacher, but Salaun might be the one to watch closely.
French journalist Théo Quintard, who covered Salaun at Cholet in Betclic Élite, France’s premier league, believes in Salaun’s potential. “For me, Tidjane is the best prospect of the draft,” Quintard said. “In ten years, I think Tidjane will be one of the best players from this draft. He has so much to show and develop.”
At 6-foot-9 and 200 pounds, Salaun boasts impressive stats and a promising skill set. In his first full professional season, he averaged 14 points, six rebounds, and two steals per 36 minutes. His shooting form is smooth, with a 33% success rate from beyond the arc that could improve with more practice. Salaun excels in catch-and-shoot situations, with the potential to become a reliable floor-spacer in the NBA.
Quintard emphasizes Salaun’s confidence. “He can miss three shots, but he will make the next one. He has 100% confidence in his ability. He’s very joyful.” Salaun’s shooting prowess extends to shots off movement, a skill highly valued in modern basketball.
Though Salaun didn’t frequently run pick-and-pop plays with Cholet, his ability to finish around the rim—averaging 1.29 points per shot—suggests he could excel in that role. His length and speed make him a formidable force in transition, often outrunning defenders to score. His defensive potential is also noteworthy; while he needs to improve his lateral quickness and strength, his basketball IQ and athleticism are promising.
Salaun is aware of the areas he needs to enhance, particularly his dribbling and shot creation. “I would like to improve on my dribble and create more situations for me and for my teammates,” Salaun told reporters. “And be more efficient from the 3 and from midrange. I work a lot on my midrange.”
His determination is evident. After a playoff loss, the 18-year-old called out his teammates, demonstrating leadership qualities rare for his age. “For me, it’s a kind of leadership to say that in front of the media,” Quintard noted. “He’s confident in his qualities and abilities.”
Experts predict Salaun will be a lottery pick, with potential destinations including the Charlotte Hornets at No. 6 or the San Antonio Spurs at No. 8, possibly pairing him with Wembanyama. While Salaun’s trajectory differs from Wembanyama’s, comparisons to last year’s breakout star Bilal Coulibaly are apt. Coulibaly quickly transitioned to the NBA, contributing significantly in his rookie season, a path Salaun could emulate.
Salaun is still a work in progress, but his combination of physical tools, work ethic, and leadership makes him an exciting prospect. As the 2024 NBA Draft approaches, Tidjane Salaun is a name worth remembering, and fans should keep their pronunciation flashcards handy.
“For Tidjane Salaun, it’s a process, step by step,” Quintard told CBS Sports. “The shot is still in progress, athleticism was already present at the beginning. I’m not a scout—I’m just a journalist—but for me, it’s a process, and there are not huge weaknesses.”
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