NBA Draft Scouting Report: France's Tidjane Salaun
Tidjane Salaun
Forward | France
Height: 6'10” | Weight: 205 lbs
2024 Draft Age: 18.86
FIBA.com
Prospect Profile
A talented French prospect, Salaun will be one of the youngest players in the 2024 NBA Draft if he does declare. At 6-foot-10, he’s a combo forward that’s grown in height quite a bit over the last few years and has maintained the perimeter skills. He’s a good athlete with a well rounded game that is able to score at all three levels, especially with his explosiveness for a forward.
Salaun still has work to do, but his jumper is improved and the 3-point shot moving forward is promising. He is also very effective in the midrange, boasting a variety of moves. This is especially true as it relates to his ability to back down smaller defenders to create space and rise above. With that in mind, the French prospect’s shot selection overall could be cleaned up.
What makes Salaun really special for his size is the creation upside. He has shown much improvement as a self-creator over the past few years which really speaks to what his ceiling could be at the next level. He hasn’t played organized basketball for as long as many of the others in this draft class, so there’s a chance he’s just now scratching the surface of his potential. The natural feel is impressive with that being considered.
Salaun still needs to improve defensively, but the tools are so obviously there. He just needs to continue to get stronger and improve the footwork. He’s long and athletic with the intangibles to defend a variety of positions at the next level. The quickness at his size he possess is impressive, but he needs to refine that end of the floor.
On the night of the 2024 NBA Draft, Salaun will still be 18 years old. He’s incredibly fluid for his size and will have one of the highest ceilings of anyone at his age. He is currently playing in a very competitive French league, so that will only help in his development and transition to the NBA.
Salaun impressed at Basketball Without Borders in Salt Lake City for NBA All-Star weekend last February. His consistent improvement has not gone unnoticed, as teams will really consider him in the first-round of the upcoming draft assuming this season goes well.
Highlights
Draft Projection
Potential First-Round Pick in 2024 NBA Draft.
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