The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 119-94 on Wednesday night. Brandon Miller led the charge with 22 points, while Tre Mann added 19 off the bench. With this victory, the Hornets improved to 2-1 in the preseason. It’s exciting to see the team starting to find their rhythm under new head coach Charles Lee, with each player making significant contributions during their minutes on the floor. However, one player continues to stand out despite doubts about his true impact.
Rookie Tidjane Salaün once again delivered a solid performance off the bench, scoring 13 points and grabbing five rebounds. Salaün has now scored in double figures in every game he’s played, and the questions surrounding his role on the roster are starting to get clearer. When a player exceeds expectations, it’s essential to reward them with more minutes. This raises an important question: what exactly is Salaün doing that’s impressing both the organization and the fan base? Let’s dive in.
Three Point Shooting
One of the most pleasant surprises from Salaün so far has been his three-point shooting. Although he went 3-for-10 from beyond the arc against the Grizzlies, he’s still shooting an impressive 45% overall in the preseason. Known for his spot-up shooting ability coming into the NBA, Salaün has carried that strength over seamlessly.
For a Hornets team that will rely heavily on three-pointers, Salaün is proving to be a perfect fit. With players like LaMelo Ball, Miller, and Miles Bridges capable of collapsing defenses, Salaün’s shooting could be a key asset. If he keeps hitting threes at this rate, his other contributions will become secondary to the spacing and offensive threat he provides.
Rebounding
After pulling down just one rebound in his NBA debut against the Knicks, Salaün has shown much more aggressiveness on the boards in his last two games, averaging 6.5 rebounds per contest. Coming into the league, one of the concerns surrounding Salaün was his strength and whether he could compete physically right away. This led many to project that he’d spend time bouncing between the G League and the NBA roster. However, Salaün is now using his instincts and natural athleticism to become a significant contributor on the glass.
Confidence
In basketball, you must accept that things won’t always go as planned. Salaün entered the preseason expecting decent minutes. However, injuries to Cody Martin and Grant Williams (Pre-Season debut) opened more opportunities for him to showcase his abilities. To his credit, Salaün has taken full advantage. He has displayed his strengths and proven that his experience in the French professional league has prepared him to compete at this level.
Salaün is confidently pulling up from the hash mark without hesitation—and draining shots. While many rookies are often hesitant to take those kinds of shots, afraid of the potential consequences, Salaün isn’t like that. He’s ready, willing, and capable of hitting big-time, clutch shots when it matters most.
In Conclusion
Tidjane Salaün has been a standout surprise in the Hornets’ preseason. Initially projected for limited action, injuries to key players gave Salaün a chance to shine. He’s taken full advantage. His three-point shooting, rebounding, and fearless confidence have made a strong case for more playing time. As the Hornets solidify their rotation, Salaün’s development could turn him into a vital piece for the team. If he keeps playing at this level, the debate about his role will end quickly—he belongs.
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