Early Challenges and Expectations
Tidjane Salaün entered his rookie season with many doubting his potential, labeled primarily as a developmental prospect. His impressive preseason, during which he recorded four games with double-digit scores out of five, raised expectations considerably. Despite this bright start, his regular-season performance initially faltered, and his early struggles underscored the challenges typical for a rookie adjusting to a new level of competition.
Recent Improvements and Performance
Over the past three games, noticeable improvements have emerged in Salaün’s play. His averages have risen to 7.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, with shooting percentages climbing to 70.0% from the field and 66.7% from beyond the arc. Despite limited playing time—under 18 minutes per game—and a modest shot volume of no more than five attempts in each bout, his calm, composed approach has led to efficient play. In two of these contests, his ability to hit three three-pointers has provided a promising glimpse into his potential impact on both ends of the court.
Looking Ahead
With 20 games remaining in the season for the Hornets, there is ample opportunity for Salaün to build on his recent progress. Improvements in overall defense, scoring versatility, and playmaking have been evident, even if his statistical output has yet to reach double digits consistently. The key for the young forward now is to find greater consistency. Fine-tuning his pace and learning to let the game develop naturally will help him reduce mistakes typical of a rookie. As he continues to gain experience, further developing his ability to attack the rim and stretch defenses with accurate three-point shooting will enhance his value to the team. The coming games are expected to be pivotal in his ongoing development and eventual contribution to the Hornets’ future success.
