Houston Rockets are considering drafting Tidjane Salaun in the 2024 NBA Draft to add a high-upside project to their roster, given their current talent pool and rotation stability.

By the Numbers
  • Salaun averages 9.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.1 steals in over 20 minutes per game for Chloet in the LNB Pro A league.
  • French wing Ousmane Dieng, a similar player, developed in the G League and led the OKC Blue to a championship.
Yes, But

The Rockets may face challenges in integrating Salaun into their rotation due to strong competition and depth in the team, potentially prolonging his development.

State of Play
  • Houston has a solid rotation with the return of key players like Tari Eason and the addition of Steven Adams, making it more challenging for Salaun to earn significant NBA minutes immediately.
  • The organization is focused on balancing win-now acquisitions with long-term investments in potential talents like Salaun to secure future success.
What's Next

If drafted, Salaun is likely to refine his skills with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers before getting substantial NBA playing time, following a developmental trajectory similar to Ousmane Dieng.

Bottom Line

The Rockets' interest in drafting Salaun reflects their strategic approach of grooming promising talents for future impact, aiming to maintain a competitive edge while building for the long term.