All Hornets

NBA analyst makes three bold predictions for Tidjane Salaün's rookie season

Is a big year incoming for the Charlotte Hornets forward?

Schuyler Callihan

Oct 10, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Tidjane Salaun (31) shoots for three during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Oct 10, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Tidjane Salaun (31) shoots for three during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images / Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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There's no true indication as to how much rookie Tidjane Salaün will spend with the Charlotte Hornets this season or in their rotation, but the young buck has already shown flashes of his potential in a handful of preseason games.

Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus made a prediction for every NBA team's top rookie prospect and the one he made for Salaün is pretty intriguing.

"Salaun will lead the rookie class in three-point percentage and three-pointers made. He'll also earn All-Rookie second-team honors."

For the second part of the three-point shooting prediction, he's going to need to spend the majority or all of the 2024-25 season in Charlotte. I'm well aware the 2024 NBA Draft class isn't loaded with talent, but there are guys who can shoot it and will have immediate roles on their team.

If any part of the above prediction comes true, the Hornets will be thrilled considering he's just scratching the surface of the player he can ultimately become.

In five preseason games, Salaün connected on 15-of-37 three-point attempts, giving him a 40.5% shooting percentage from downtown. Taking 7.4 threes per game is high volume, but until he becomes more advanced offensively, that number may remain in the same ballpark when playing in an expanded role.

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Schuyler Callihan
SCHUYLER CALLIHAN

schuylercallihan(at)gmail.com  Twitter:@Callihan_ Schuyler Callihan is the lead publisher of Mountaineers Now, All Panthers, and All Hornets on FanNation/Sports Illustrated. He took over publishing duties of All Panthers in 2020 and wanted to expand his professional coverage in the Queen City by running the operations at All Hornets. Schuyler attended Bethany College in Bethany, West Virginia before finishing up his schooling at Alamance Community College in Graham, North Carolina. The Wheeling, West Virginia native made the move to North Carolina in 2015 and has been in Charlotte since 2021.

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