Rookie Hornets forward Tidjane Salaün got thrown into the deep end earlier than expected in his career due to the team’s extensive injury list. His season had highs and lows, Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer writes, but ultimately he showed glimpses of what he can be at the next level and displays what president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson values in building a contender.
“I had a lot of experience during this year,” Salaun said. “That was cool, to be around all of these guys, this organization. And yeah, my role was different so I could have more time than I think [was expected] but that was great. All of this experience is going to translate into everything for next season.”
Salaun ended the year averaging 5.9 points and 4.7 rebounds in 60 games with 10 starts.
“I would say he had a season that was probably pretty consistent with being the second-youngest player in the NBA,” Peterson said. “There were some good moments and there were some not-so-good moments. None of that came as a surprise to us. We knew there was going to be a learning curve. You come from the French league and then try to assimilate to this level playing against grown men, it’s hard. It’s really, really hard at this level, and we knew it would take some time.”
We have more from the Southeast Division:
- Hornets guard Tre Mann looked to be a big part of Charlotte’s season early on, averaging 14.1 points across 24.5 minutes in his first 13 games. However, he suffered a season-ending back injury in November, and his future with the team seems to be shrouded in mystery, according to Boone. Mann is scheduled to be a restricted free agent this summer.
- In order to have a chance against the defending champions, the Magic will need to get more physical, Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel writes. In another piece, the Orlando Sentinel’s Jason Beede explains why the Magic feel good about avoiding a sweep against Boston and recognize where they match up favorably. “Defensive intensity is always there for us,” forward Paolo Banchero said. “We know we can hold these guys under their [scoring average]. We know we can guard them. It’s just these little runs that we let them go on is what kills us.”
- The Heat‘s draft pick situation was in flux all season, but they ended up with the 20th overall pick via the Jimmy Butler-to-the-Warriors trade, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald writes. “This time is the recalibration,” Heat vice president of basketball operations and assistant general manager Adam Simon said. “You find out where you’re picking. If you’re in the lottery, you go from there. But that’s not the case for us right now. And then we’re waiting for the early entry list to come out and that basically fires off the gun to start the race to the draft.”