The Charlotte Hornets got their guy in Tidjane Salaun out of the 2024 NBA Draft with the sixth pick. He's not exactly the player most fans probably thought would be selected here, but it makes sense. Salaun is a young, athletic forward that has the ability to block shots, space the floor, and move well without the basketball. He was also the third player taken out of France alongside Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr.

New Hornets rookie speaks out

“This is the beginning of big things,” Salaun said when he was asked about how it felt to be drafted. “I'm very happy. Glad to be here and now I'm ready to work.”

Salaun was later asked how he feels like he can help out the  Hornets. He replied, “I will bring all my tools for the team. Bring my energy, defense, and improve my teammates.”

He will likely have the opportunity to play right away for Charlotte since they team is still trying to figure out what their frontcourt rotation might look like. As long as he keeps the same kind of motor, he'll fit right in with what the Hornets should want to do: get out in the open floor and run in transition to create easier baskets.

Salaun also highlighted his ability to hit the open three and his defense as tools that Hornets fans should be able to see from day one. Plus, he highlighted his ability to guard multiple positions, which is huge in today's NBA.

Mike James was one of Tidjane Salaun favorite players to watch

Tidjane Salaun didn't have a LeBron James or Kevin Durant as some of his favorite players to watch growing up. Instead he took an unconventional route and chose the 2023-24 Euro league MVP in Mike James.

“I love watching Mike James in Europe. Out of the players in the NBA, I would say every player. When I was young I didn't watch a lot of basketball in the NBA, but Evan Fournier was an inspiration for me when I was young. Now it's my turn,” Salaun shared.

Not the typical guys you would hear behind a guy's reason to play basketball, but it's respectable. He picked guys that had their moments in the NBA and had enough of impact to make a name for themselves across the pond as well. Salaun is in a perfect situation for his talent and he could amount to much more than the two guys that he like watching on TV once upon a time.