SAN ANTONIO — There's been an influx of French-born players filling up NBA rosters, and Tidjane Salaun hopes to be the next.
If you look at mock drafts, the San Antonio Spurs could select him in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Some mocks have him beginning selected around No. 13, but do the Spurs have interest in him with picks No. 4 and 8?
Salaun told KENS 5 that he communicated with the Spurs, which shows that the team is doing its due diligence. They have shown interest in him and even scouted him in Cholet, France.
"Yeah, I talked with them when they came to Cholet," he said.
The 18-year-old has been a fast riser in the draft. He is listed at 6’9’’ and 212 lbs. Scouting reports describe him as relentless, fluid, agile, strong, and athletic.
He does need to improve his outside shot, overall offense, and rebounding, but he is raw and could use some time in the G League to develop.
Nevertheless, he will soon join his fellow French countryman, Victor Wembanyama, in the NBA.
And taking the court with Wemby will likely leave him in awe, whether or not he is his teammate.
"Victor is an inspiration for not only basketball players but for all the sports in France," Salaun said to KENS 5. "He's tall, and he makes the impossible possible."
Salaun says he admires Wemby's work ethic in improving his game.
"That’s great for all of us. He inspires me every day because he works a lot, and now he can dribble like a point guard."
The pair also keeps in contact, which would bode well for the Spurs if they were to select him and not worry about team chemistry between them.
"I talked with him in March," Salaun said about keeping in touch with the Spurs center.
What do you think, Spurs fans? Should the team select him in the draft? Let us know on X at KENS 5 and JeffGSpursKENS5.