Charles Lee
The Charlotte Hornets kicked off their preseason on Sunday with a 111-109 loss to the New York Knicks, but the game offered valuable insights into the team’s evolving rotation. With Cody Martin sidelined due to a right wrist sprain and a thumb laceration, head coach Steve Clifford had to adjust his lineup, giving rookie Tidjane Salaün an extended opportunity to showcase his skills.
Martin, a critical piece of Charlotte‘s rotation, is listed as day-to-day. His absence left a void in the lineup that Salaün eagerly filled. The sixth-overall pick out of France logged 22 minutes, tying veteran forward Miles Bridges for the most playing time on the team. Salaün made the most of his minutes, scoring 11 points on 4-of-8 shooting, including an impressive 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. He also added a rebound, displaying the kind of versatile play that Charlotte could come to rely on this season.
Throughout the pre-draft process, Salaün earned praise for his athleticism, length, and relentless motor—traits that were on full display in his first NBA action. His efficient shooting performance against the Knicks is a promising sign for a Hornets team that could use his offensive spark. If the rookie continues to shoot with the accuracy and confidence he showed on Sunday, he could carve out a significant role, even once Martin returns to full health.
For now, Martin’s injury offers Salaün an invaluable opportunity to make his case for regular-season minutes. With more preseason games ahead, the Hornets will have plenty of chances to experiment with their rotation and see just how ready their promising rookie is to contribute in a meaningful way.
