Each NBA draft brings with it a high level of excitement as a new class of rookies are set to enter the league. Recently, we have seen an increase in the international talent pool, and 2024 is no different. One of the top international players in this year’s class is 18-year-old French forward Tidjane Salaun.
Tidjane Salaun Draft Profile
Salaun plays for the French basketball team Cholet Basket in the LNB Espoirs, the country’s under-21 league. Since then, he has moved up to the league’s senior team. The 6-9 forward didn’t get much playing time in the 2022-23 season, entering only three games. Salaun took a big step forward last year, playing in 33 games and averaging nine points and four rebounds over 22.7 minutes per game. He was named the FIBA Champions League Best Young Player for 2024.
Strengths
Salaun has a 7-1 wingspan, which helps his off-ball defense as he pesters opponents and makes it hard for them to get open. He is growing more confident with his shooting from beyond the arc, hitting 32.9% of his three-point attempts last season. Salaun is adept at both setting screens and cutting to the rim, having a high success rate finishing on lobs.
Weaknesses
There’s cause for concern that his shooting ability came out of nowhere and there is worry it could disappear just as quickly. Salaun doesn’t have nearly as much basketball experience as other players in this class and isn’t expected to be a big contributor off-rip and is more a developmental piece with solid upside. He also is not as good of an on-ball defender as he is off-ball and struggles to handle the ball on offense.
Player comparison: Between Aaron Gordon and Dorian Finney-Smith
As you can see, there is a wide range of outcomes for Salaun. His upside could be as high as Gordon if he develops, but his floor of being a consistent role player like Finney-Smith isn’t a bad outlook. Landing spot is going to be crucial for Salaun and if he can get on a team that can develop his strengths and minimize his weaknesses.