The Charlotte Hornets, under President of Basketball Operations Jeff Peterson, entered the 2024 NBA Draft holding two first-round selections: Nos. 14 and 18. The draft, which spanned two nights at Barclays Center in New York, saw Charlotte ultimately select Tidjane Salaün with the 6th overall pick and KJ Simpson with the 42nd overall pick. This pivot from their initially projected picks at 14 and 18, to a higher selection at 6 and a later second-round pick, suggests a notable shift in their draft-night strategy.
The 2024 draft class was widely considered to be solid, though perhaps lacking top-end star power. One evaluator noted that "it might be the best draft within the next couple of years" in terms of depth, even if "all those 20 guys aren’t going to be in the league in five years." The Hornets' decision to keep both their first-round picks was largely driven by Peterson and the team's brass recognizing this depth. However, the subsequent trade up to the sixth pick for Salaün, an 18-year-old French forward, and then taking Simpson in the second round, indicates a willingness to take a chance on high-upside, raw talent.
The evaluator highlighted Salaün's strengths as his size, rim protection, and passing, emphasizing his ability to alter shots and his impressive length. This skillset is particularly appealing in a league where contending with dominant bigs like Victor Wembanyama is a growing concern. Salaün is not expected to be a primary offensive option immediately, but rather a complementary piece whose best attributes are his defensive impact. The concern, however, lies in his current readiness, the evaluator believes he is "two years away" and lacks a "solid base," suggesting a significant developmental curve. This pick signifies a long-term play, banking on player development to mold Salaün into a formidable force down the line.
This draft approach aligns with Charlotte's historical tendency to build through the draft. Jeff Peterson, who became President of Basketball Operations for the Hornets in March 2024, has emphasized a collaborative approach with head coach Charles Lee and a commitment to leaving the franchise in a better place. The team's strategy suggests they are prioritizing high-ceiling prospects who can grow alongside their existing young core of LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.
The immediate future for Salaün will likely involve a significant period of skill development and physical conditioning, potentially with G-League assignments to refine his game. The Hornets signed Salaün to a multi-year contract in early July 2024, and Simpson to a two-way deal, indicating their commitment to both prospects. The expectation is that both players will require patience, with the organization investing heavily in their growth before they are ready to make consistent NBA impacts. This is a common path for raw, athletic international prospects, and Charlotte will need to foster that development diligently.
Charlotte Hornets 
