Hornets Eyeing Tidjane Salaün as Long-Term Bridges Replacement

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The Charlotte Hornets selected Tidjane Salaün in the 2024 NBA Draft, knowing he would be a long-term developmental project. While Salaün's progress has been slow, the team sees him as a potential replacement for veteran forward Miles Bridges, whose contract expires after next season. Salaün's strong defense and potential fit alongside the Hornets' young core have the team hopeful he can grow into a starting role in the coming years.

Why it matters

The Hornets are building around a young nucleus led by LaMelo Ball, and Salaün's development could be crucial to their long-term plans. If he can develop into a reliable two-way player, it would allow the team to potentially move on from Bridges, who has been inconsistent at times.

The details

Salaün, a 6'9" forward, has seen limited minutes in his first two NBA seasons, but his numbers have improved as he's gained more experience. His defensive rating of 109.6 is significantly better than Bridges' 116.9, and his overall net rating is also stronger, though in a smaller sample size. The Hornets are taking a patient approach, allowing Salaün to develop while Bridges plays out the final year of his contract. If Salaün continues to progress, he could take over as the starting power forward, allowing the Hornets to potentially let Bridges walk in free agency. Alternatively, the team may look to trade Bridges and pursue a more established star to pair with their young core.

• Tidjane Salaün was selected by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2024 NBA Draft.
• Salaün is currently in his second NBA season with the Hornets.

What’s next

The Hornets will continue to monitor Salaün's development over the remainder of this season and next, as they evaluate whether he can be the long-term replacement for Bridges or if they need to pursue other options.