For even players that profile as long-term projects, there’s often a Year One game or sequence that sets the stage, allowing the organization to know exactly what the future could hold at peak levels. As he sent the Charlotte Hornets’ fanbase into a playoff-like delirium with exceptional two-way play against their Southwest Division rivals, Tidjane Salaün peeled back the curtain on just that during November 27, 2024’s clash. With the see-saw battle against the Miami Heat reaching a quite-fitting boiling point, Salaün creeps towards the 3-point line’s far left corner, presumably to give his teammate breathing room after a possession-saving rebound. Buoyed, perhaps by the already-supercharged crowd behind him, Salaün fearlessly lets fly a pinpoint catch-and-shoot triple, affording Buzz City a two-point lead in the final minute. Despite the loss, the No. 6 pick supplied trademark energy, commanding awe through a 17-point performance (on 7-of-12 shooting), paired with four rebounds, two assists, three steals, and three trifectas. · Nov 28, 2024