Charlotte Hornets forward Tidjane Salaun is fully committing to his summer routine, choosing hard work over leisure as he prepares for his second NBA season. The 19-year-old Frenchman shared his mindset in an interview with The Charlotte Observer, emphasizing sacrifice and focus on basketball.
Salaun, who was drafted sixth overall by the Hornets in the 2024 NBA Draft, said his offseason training has become second nature. “That’s something normal for me,” he told the Observer. “I’ve done this now for the last three years — I did only work for the summer and that’s something I like. There’s no regrets. Just sacrifice some cool stuff for a better future I can say.”
He credited his ability to stay disciplined for shaping his development, adding, “I’m just proud of myself to have this mentality to continue to work, because that is going to help me be better for the next season.”
Salaun arrived in Charlotte last summer as part of a historic draft class that saw three French players — Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr, and Salaun — taken in the top 10. He became the second-youngest player selected in his class and signed his rookie deal with the Hornets on July 3, 2024.
Over his rookie campaign, he appeared in 60 games for the Hornets, starting in 10, and averaged 5.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists while shooting 33% from the field.
