Hornets' Salaun Faces Make-or-Break Season

On April 2-8, the Charlotte Hornet surprised everyone with a strong 2025-26 season, speeding

up their rebuild and putting.

Former number 6 pick, Tijane Salon in a tough spot.

This 20-year-old forward hasn't lived up to lottery expectations yet, barely cracking

the rotation, and dealing with a late-season injury.

Now heading into his third year, it's make or break time for him and Charlotte.

They drafted Salon knowing he'd be raw, banking on his length, athleticism, and defensive

potential to pay off down the line.

His shooting took a big leap this year, hitting 50.3% from the field, and 43.4% from 3 on low

volume.

That's progress from his rookie struggles, but is not enough to lock in minutes.

Defensively though, he's still a work in progress, losing focus off the ball and

becoming a liability at NBA speed.

Other guys like Musa Diabade, Sion James, and Ryan Cockburner stepped up big, earning spots

alongside returning Vets Josh Green and Grant Williams.

Salon got chances during injury waves in December and January, but couldn't separate himself,

heading back to the G-League.

The Hornets flip from a 4-14 start to over-achieving, so they're pushing to compete now instead

of tanking for picks.

That means even tougher competition next season, especially with possible new first rounders

or signings.

Charlotte's got a club option on him for 2027-28, worth over $10 million.

Salon's got one shot to prove he's foundational, or the Hornets might move on and reshape the

wing rotation around proven pieces.

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