Hornets’ Tidjane Salaün eager for NBA summer league debut: ‘I will work and have fun’
The buzz surrounding Tidjane Salaün’s NBA summer league debut is palpable. The Charlotte Hornets rookie, drafted sixth overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, is eager to showcase his skills on the court after a brief layoff due to a left knee laceration. Salaün, a young, energetic player with a contagious enthusiasm, is ready to take on the challenge of the NBA summer league.
Salaün’s excitement is evident in his words: “I’m excited. For sure. It’s going to be step-by-step, and I will work and have fun to get the best result possible.” His eagerness is fueled by the anticipation of finally competing against another team after a period of intense training and rehabilitation. The summer league presents an opportunity for Salaün to acclimate himself to the NBA’s pace and intensity and to forge connections with his new teammates.
Despite missing the Hornets’ three victories at the California Classic, Salaün remained focused on his recovery and continued to train diligently. “It wasn’t so tough because I continued to shoot, lift,” he explained. “But it wasn’t so bad and now I’m back. So, it wasn’t so tough.” His commitment to his craft, even during the downtime, speaks volumes about his dedication and his desire to succeed.
Salaün’s confidence in his abilities is unwavering. He’s ready to adapt his game to the NBA’s unique rhythm and style. “I think I will play my basketball for sure,” he said. “I know it’s different by the rhythm. I’m just going to adapt my play first by training with my teammates, and after we will see in a game.” His adaptability and willingness to learn are crucial traits for a young player entering the professional ranks.
It’s not just Salaün who’s eager to hit the court. His draft mate, KJ Simpson, is also itching to get back into action after a hamstring injury during the pre-draft process. While Simpson’s injury will keep him sidelined for the summer league, he’s making the most of his time, building relationships with his teammates and coaches and absorbing valuable knowledge. “It’s been great,” Simpson shared. “The hardest part is obviously not being out there playing. As a competitor, you miss it. But I’m still working out, getting myself ready, being healthy. But just being around the whole staff, being around the whole team is special.”
Taking the Next Step: Salaün and Simpson’s Summer League Goals
Both Salaün and Simpson are determined to make the most of their summer league experience, even if it means approaching it from different angles. While Salaün is eager to showcase his skills on the court, Simpson is focused on learning and absorbing the knowledge that comes from being part of a team and an organization.
For Salaün, the summer league is about more than just individual performance. “First, I want to win, help my teammates make the best record as possible,” he declared. His team-first mentality is a testament to his character and his understanding of the importance of collective success. He recognizes that his individual success is intertwined with the team’s overall performance.
Despite his recent injury, Salaün is determined to contribute to the team’s success. “Because I didn’t play, I lost a little bit of my cardio,” he admitted. “So, I will do the best possible and after (that) we will see. But for me, I don’t want to show something special. I just want to take the rhythm of the NBA and make the best record possible.” His humility and focus on the team’s goals are commendable, and his determination to improve his conditioning is a testament to his work ethic.
Simpson, while unable to play, is embracing the opportunity to learn and grow. “Honestly, it’s literally the same exact thing,” he said about his approach to staying engaged. “I’m still being vocal, I’m still being engaged. If I have a question, I ask one of the coaches. Asking to watch film. I’m just making sure that I’m always involved, I’m not just standing off to the side. I’m clapping, I’m cheering my teammates, cheering them on. I’m doing everything, making sure my presence is felt being off the court.” His dedication to learning and his commitment to supporting his teammates, even from the sidelines, are admirable qualities.
Simpson’s commitment to learning extends beyond the court. “Asking the questions is probably the biggest thing, asking coaches a certain thing, player development coaches a certain thing,” he said. “(Whatever) the most I can learn in a small time, I’m better.” His eagerness to learn and his willingness to seek guidance from experienced coaches demonstrate his commitment to constant improvement.
Fitting In and Building Chemistry: Salaün and Simpson’s Integration into the Hornets’ Culture
Both Salaün and Simpson are excited about the opportunity to play for the Hornets and contribute to the team’s success. They’re aware of the fan base’s hunger for a winning product and are ready to embrace the challenge of representing the organization.
Salaün believes that he’s a perfect fit for the Hornets’ culture. “I think we are on the same page,” he said. “I work hard, I play hard and they want the same thing. So, it’s cool to have some coach available to work with me when I want, when I need. So, that’s how I fit with them.” His work ethic and dedication align with the Hornets’ desire for a hardworking and passionate team.
Simpson is equally excited about joining the Hornets organization. “Yeah, honestly, the moment I touched down — even before I left — there was a lot of people mentioning how they were fans of the team and how they couldn’t wait, they thought they got the steal of the draft,” he shared. “And I agreed with them, so that definitely plays a long way that just goes to show they bleed teal. They bleed it and I’m excited to kind of be a part of it.” His appreciation for the Hornets’ passionate fan base and his eagerness to contribute to the team’s success are evident in his words.
The Hornets’ culture of hard work and dedication resonates strongly with both Salaün and Simpson. They both understand the importance of putting in the effort to achieve success. “I think what Tidjane even talked about (at the press conference), a little is we went through stuff and it wasn’t the easiest of stuff to go through,” Simpson explained. “He shared his little story and my little story, it was a big, big mental challenge that I went through. Long story short, it taught me to kind of be more appreciative of basketball, because it was taken from me and that’s never happened to me before.” Their shared experiences of overcoming adversity have instilled in them a work ethic and a resilience that will serve them well in the NBA.
Looking Ahead: Salaün and Simpson’s Excitement for the Future
Both Salaün and Simpson are eager to start their NBA journey with the Hornets. They’re excited to learn from veteran players like LaMelo Ball and Tre Mann and to continue to develop their skills.
Salaün is embracing the opportunity to play alongside experienced and talented players. “You’re on a team with LaMelo Ball and Tre Mann. How eager are you to get with them and pick their brain?” he was asked. “Yeah, I think we all bring a different, you know specialty to the team,” he responded. “Obviously, I know how special LaMelo and Tre are, not just to this organization, but in the NBA as basketball players. So, I definitely, definitely appreciate all that they’ve done, as far as from a basketball perspective and the way they carry themselves. And I’m just excited to kind of get going with them.” His admiration for his teammates and his eagerness to learn from them are evident in his words.
Simpson, too, is excited about the prospect of playing alongside Ball and Mann. “For me, it’s (about) at least having a close locker room or some of that great chemistry,” he said. “That’s extremely important. That’s something I kind of tried to instill in Colorado. So, I want to come here and kind of do the same thing, and what better way to kind of learn from those guys who already have experience, get better together and push us ourselves to get this whole team better and win out there on the floor.” He understands the importance of team chemistry and is eager to build strong relationships with his new teammates.
Both Salaün and Simpson are excited about the future and are eager to contribute to the Hornets’ success. They’re both passionate about basketball and are committed to working hard to achieve their dreams. The Hornets’ organization is fortunate to have these two talented young players on their roster, and their future is bright.
- Tidjane Salaün, Hornets rookie, is eager for his NBA summer league debut after recovering from a left knee laceration.
- Salaün is enthusiastic and ready to work hard while having fun to showcase his skills and adapt to the NBA’s pace.
- Despite missing some games due to injury, Salaün remained focused on recovery and training diligently, highlighting his dedication.
- Salaün’s confidence in adapting his game to the NBA’s style and rhythm, along with his willingness to learn, bode well for his professional career.
