By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Charlotte Hornets forward Tidjane Salaun expressed confidence in his team’s growth and his own physical progress after Monday’s practice. As the NBA Preseason 2026 wraps up, the 21-year-old Paris native is narrowing his focus. He wants to lead the defense and impact winning.
“The team is getting better since the training camp,” he mentioned during a media session following team practice, crediting the veteran leadership. “Good chemistry is coming for the season.”
The former sixth overall draft pick and Basketball Champions League Best Young Player in 2024 seeks stability after playing 97 games in his first two years. He averaged 5.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in his first two exhibition games. Now, he feels his condition is peaking. “I feel pretty good with my body. Defensively, I feel straight even better, better and better. And then it’s just about rhythm,” he said.
That defensive mindset dictates his role. Instead of forcing his offense, Salaun embraces a gritty identity on a roster featuring fellow Frenchman Moussa Diabate and a German trio of Dennis Schroder, Hannes Steinbach, and Christian Anderson Jr. “Defense is the main part,” he explained. “With my abilities, that’s where I can have the most success.”
Personal stats matter less to the combo forward than collective results. He keeps his goals simple. “Take a step. Be better defensively, and my team wins. All I want is winning,” he stated.
Charlotte finishes the Preseason on the road against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday and Memphis Grizzlies on Friday. They open the 2026–27 Regular Season next Wednesday against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center.
Make 
Your Preferred Basketball Source.
Add Eurohoops to Google