Tidjane Salaun - 2024 NBA Draft Prospect

[timvp]

https://www.spurstalk.com/tidjane-salaun-spurs-2024-nba-draft/

[SpursFan86]

Maybe my least favorite potential pick at #8. I just feel like there will at least be 3 other guys available there with just as much upside and less risk to totally bust. Also would be 3+ guys that might not have quite the same upside but have 10x the likelihood of at least becoming a solid role player for a contending team (which is still valuable, despite some people’s obsession with chasing upside).

[NASpurs]

I don't agree with what I'm about to say but I guess I can understand the logic but with so many upcoming draft picks in the upcoming future (and better drafts), do you use a lottery pick to take a flyer on a dude like this, this year just based on potential? Very Joshua Primo in that aspect

[mo7888]

https://www.spurstalk.com/tidjane-salaun-spurs-2024-nba-draft/
Pretty fair assessment in my estimation..

[Ariel]

Some time ago I took a look at an extended vid Dejounte posted here (or the link to the channel, I believe), and the video is rough. If you're going to take a raw prospect based on potential, you at least want to see a fluid, coordinated athlete, with some basic tools to build upon. Salaun really isn't that, he moves somewhat robotic overall, not just from the line. His lack of vertical pop is obvious when you see him throwing up these prayers of a layup instead of just dunking all over smaller oponents as you'd expect, and in so doing he exposes his complete lack of touch, it isn't just that he's inefficient, it looks horrendous, he makes Blake Wesley look like MJ. His dunks are usually open and then he follows them up with this hang on the rim, trying to make them look more flashy when he barely left the floor in the first place. I asked some people for what they saw in him in the general thread, because it was interesting to me what others saw that was so radically different to what I was seeing, and I think by the comparisons I got (Scottie Barnes? :lol) most Salaun supporters probably didn't watch him play and go by biased media reports.
If he makes it in the NBA, IMO his path is as an all hustle stretch 4 that does little on offense other than hit the 3 at a good clip and crash the boards. There's very little skill in him, I honestly would hesitate to touch him with a 2nd round pick, let alone a lottery one. The idea that the Spurs might pick him at 8 gives me the chills. Hope that's all smoke.

[ChumpDumper]

Yeah, the bust potential of this guy is off the charts. It's almost as if in three years we could hope he looks like DaRon Holmes II does now at three years older. I don't know if I can squint enough to see his playing the wing. A team that drafts him might just hope he keeps growing into a PF/C. A center that can park at the top of the arc isn't the worst thing that could happen.

[spurraider21]

hard pass at 8

i'd much rather swing at cody williams than him if they wanted a boom or bust style pick at 8

[exstatic]

Maybe my least favorite potential pick at #8. I just feel like there will at least be 3 other guys available there with just as much upside and less risk to totally bust. Also would be 3+ guys that might not have quite the same upside but have 10x the likelihood of at least becoming a solid role player for a contending team (which is still valuable, despite some people’s obsession with chasing upside).

The consensus, mentioned in the article is that there is a lack of boom/bust prospects, meaning teams aren’t seeing much upside in much of anyone.

Solid role players can be signed from the FA pool. Take the big swing with the high pick. I’d rather have a bust than a solid role player that I can sign in any free agent period. Settling is about the worst thing you can do.

[spurraider21]

Yeah, the bust potential of this guy is off the charts. It's almost as if in three years we could hope he looks like DaRon Holmes II does now at three years older. I don't know if I can squint enough to see his playing the wing. A team that drafts him might just hope he keeps growing into a PF/C. A center that can park at the top of the arc isn't the worst thing that could happen.
yeah but he doesnt protect the rim, and surely doesnt rebound like a center. you are looking at bonner with more pep in his step. a center who can shoot 3's by itself isnt really good enough anymore. olynyk without playmaking chops doesnt seem exciting at all

people keep talking about some star potential and i really dont see it. right now he is a developmental project that you hope can become a role player some day. thats not remotely good enough to be taken #8 even in a weak draft.

like, i couldnt fathom taking him over Clingan, even for the spurs

[exstatic]

hard pass at 8

i'd much rather swing at cody williams than him

I like Williams, too, but wouldn’t hate this.

[spurraider21]

I like Williams, too, but wouldn’t hate this.
of the people supposedly in consideration to go at or around 8, salaun is at the very bottom of my ranking

[z0sa]

Pass, and a hard pass at that. We need people ready to come in and contribute now, or at least within a season and an offseason's or so of work. This guy isn't that. He'll be someone else's diamond in the rough - we need positive instant production, especially offensively. No more Bran Hams and Wesleys can fit on this roster at the moment.

[Ariel]

The consensus, mentioned in the article is that there is a lack of boom/bust prospects, meaning teams aren’t seeing much upside in much of anyone.

Solid role players can be signed from the FA pool. Take the big swing with the high pick. I’d rather have a bust than a solid role player that I can sign in any free agent period. Settling is about the worst thing you can do.
Could you give us a best case outcome you envision for him? and a most likely outcome? Otherwise we're just throwing around abstract nonsense.

[exstatic]

Could you give us a best case outcome you envision for him? and a most likely outcome? Otherwise we're just throwing around abstract nonsense.

Maybe MPJ if his shot stabilizes? His median outcomes aren’t good, but I’d rather draft him than someone who has an archetype available to sign in FA or his summer.

[SpursFan86]

The consensus, mentioned in the article is that there is a lack of boom/bust prospects, meaning teams aren’t seeing much upside in much of anyone.

Solid role players can be signed from the FA pool. Take the big swing with the high pick. I’d rather have a bust than a solid role player that I can sign in any free agent period. Settling is about the worst thing you can do.

I just don’t agree with this line of thinking.

I realize these are purely hypothetical numbers but let’s just say a guy has a 5% chance at becoming an all-star and 95% chance of being out of the league in 3 years. Another guy has a 70% chance of being a solid role player (20-25 mpg, positive impact for a contending team) and a 30% chance of not making it at all. Who are you taking?

Obviously people have different opinions on the %s but the point is that it’s not always as easy as “pick the guy with the most upside”. I’m not saying upside doesn’t matter or shouldn’t be considered, but some people act like it’s legitimately the only thing that matters and I just totally disagree.

Lastly, signing FAs isn’t as straight-forward as you make it seem. What if they don’t want to come here? What if another team offers them more money? What if we’re super limited with our cap situation? Just because there might be solid role players available in FA doesn’t guarantee they’re going to end up on your team.

[Cardinal]

We all need to mentally prepare for the prospect of Salaun as the 4th pick. Nightmare scenario indeed

[Ariel]

Spurs use #4 + #8 to move up to #1 and pick Salaun. Book it. :pctoss:vomit:
#reversejinx

[BatManu20]

We all need to mentally prepare for the prospect of Salaun as the 4th pick. Nightmare scenario indeed

Watch this actually happen though after rumors of the Hornets and Blazers seriously considering him at 6 & 7 :lol

[Ariel]

Maybe MPJ if his shot stabilizes? His median outcomes aren’t good, but I’d rather draft him than someone who has an archetype available to sign in FA or his summer.
I see nothing in their respective skillsets that would lead me to compare Salaun to MPJ, it sounds like wishful thinking to me. Honestly, Patrick Baldwin Jr would have made a much more believable MPJ candidate. I think you're talking yourself into Salaun by using flawed logic. It goes something like this:


In this draft, any gem to be found will come out of left field.
Salaun hitting would come out of left field
Therefore, Salaun is a prime candidate to be such hidden gem.

That sounds like a recipe for disaster, TBH.

[spurraider21]

Maybe MPJ if his shot stabilizes? His median outcomes aren’t good, but I’d rather draft him than someone who has an archetype available to sign in FA or his summer.
MPJ is an elite level shooter when factoring in his height/release and movement shooting

thats more than salaun's shot "stabilizing"

[spurraider21]

Watch this actually happen though after rumors of the Hornets and Blazers seriously considering him at 6 & 7 :lol
salaun going 6 or 7 would save us from ourselves tbh

[LeBowen]

salaun going 6 or 7 would save us from ourselves tbh

What's your take on the draft then?
I won't lie, I'm kind of getting less and less hyped with each passing day. :lol

The only realistic targets that should be solid NBA players even if they don't live up to their potential are Castle and Sheppard.
One is a secondary playmaker without range.
The other one is an undersized shooting guard who can't be the primary playmaker or point of attack defender.

Everyone else has a good chance of being out of the league after their rookie contract.
These to are the two least risky picks that will be available at #4, but their ceiling doesn't look that high.

[Mr. Body]

Weaknesses: can't play basketball

[PhantomDashCam]

https://i.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExZmYzMWZhMGVvcTh6M3lnYjlwdnkyY2N 5aDJscDh2d2d2a2UycDdteiZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfY nlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/3o6Ztj3IH9dYvAGmcM/giphy.gif

[ChumpDumper]

yeah but he doesnt protect the rim, and surely doesnt rebound like a center. you are looking at bonner with more pep in his step. a center who can shoot 3's by itself isnt really good enough anymore. olynyk without playmaking chops doesnt seem exciting at all

people keep talking about some star potential and i really dont see it. right now he is a developmental project that you hope can become a role player some day. thats not remotely good enough to be taken #8 even in a weak draft.

like, i couldnt fathom taking him over Clingan, even for the spursExactly. I have trouble seeing his being worthy of any first round pick let alone the lottery because is doesn't look like he's going to be able to learn how to play basketball with the exception of the shooting stroke. Guys like Clingan and Edey are going to contribute immediately. I guess the argument could be made that he has had shitty coaching to this point but one could pick up Basketball for Dummies and show better fundamentals.

[Ariel]

Exactly. I have trouble seeing his being worthy of any first round pick let alone the lottery because is doesn't look like he's going to be able to learn how to play basketball with the exception of the shooting stroke. Guys like Clingan and Edey are going to contribute immediately. I guess the argument could be made that he has had shitty coaching to this point but one could pick up Basketball for Dummies and show better fundamentals.
It's worse actually: he comes from one of France's most reputable programs, in Cholet. So you can't chalk up his lack of fundamentals to poor coaching.

[Strategic]

Not even if he just picked up a ball for the 1st time in his life this year.

[The Truth #6]

No skills. Poor fundamentals. Poor athlete. Sounds like a homeless Isiah Roby without the athleticism. Hell, no.

[spurraider21]

What's your take on the draft then?
I won't lie, I'm kind of getting less and less hyped with each passing day. :lol

The only realistic targets that should be solid NBA players even if they don't live up to their potential are Castle and Sheppard.
One is a secondary playmaker without range.
The other one is an undersized shooting guard who can't be the primary playmaker or point of attack defender.

Everyone else has a good chance of being out of the league after their rookie contract.
These to are the two least risky picks that will be available at #4, but their ceiling doesn't look that high.
its obviously not a great draft. its not like other years have a plethora of flawless prospects, but the flaws with the people in this class seem more dramatic than usual, and the things they excel at arent as good as you typically see at the top of other drafts

but there are good players to be had

i just really dont see Salaun as a lotto pick, even if this weaker draft. i'd rather the spurs take any of cody williams, donovan clingan, isaiah collier, or even devin carter than him. salaun to me right now is a big project and i'm not so sure his upside is anything more than role player anyway. i dont see the "star ceiling" people talk about with him. so in a draft full of role players, im not too keen on taking the one that seems to be the biggest gamble of whether he'll become an nba player or not

i see salaun as a decidedly worse prospect than Samanic was, and even samanic at 19 was a reach. caveat being that samanic's work ethic and passion was a question mark with him, and is one of the few things salaun has going for him

[TD 21]

I'm not as down on the notion of selecting him at 8 as many, but that's mostly because I'm not high on any of the other candidates I believe they'll decide between anyway, which includes: Buzelis (unlikely to be available), Holland, Carter (both unlikely if as expected they select Castle at 4) and Williams.

Given the lack of a natural fit (save arguably Dillingham, an archetype they clearly don't want), this is why I've said ad nauseam they should be aggressively looking to make a trade involving at least one of these lottery picks.

[Mugen]

The (new) Savior tbh.

[Mugen]

Pretty much the perfect circumstance to draft a guy like Saluan: Shit draft, two top 10 picks where they can take a win now guy at #4, close with Wemby...

If he's not hanging dong at media and therapy sessions, then he's a solid pick at #8 tbh.

[Splits]

the only thing worse than drafting this bust would be drafting Topic or Bustzelis 4 and this bust at 8. Please god NO. NO

[DPG21920]

Only way I do this is if Spurs trade pick 4 for 7 + 14 and now have a third pick to burn on someone like Salaun who will be stashed or whatever.

[The Truth #6]

So...what is he good at at all?

[Mr. Body]

You do this if Victor needs a French friend to play Legos with.

[bevo]

if we had a late lotto or mid teens pick, I could see it. But he's not worth 4 or 8.

[bevo]

Better yet, if spurs want to kick the can down the river again for 2025. We select him and Topic ...

[Degoat]

I like him as a prospect but we already have one raw French prospect we’re developing in Sidy

[Dejounte]

My draft philosophy is obviously different than others

with a top pick, people argue it’s best to draft a sure thing even if said player’s ceiling is a role player

i disagree with this heavily. That’s such a waste of a pick. There’s a gem hidden in this draft no matter how much it’s perceived as weak

if it’s choosing between a player who’s a sure thing but will cap as a role player vs a guy the Spurs believe there’s a glimmer of stardom… i choose the latter ten times out of ten

[exstatic]

My draft philosophy is obviously different than others

with a top pick, people argue it’s best to draft a sure thing even if said player’s ceiling is a role player

i disagree with this heavily. That’s such a waste of a pick. There’s a gem hidden in this draft no matter how much it’s perceived as weak

if it’s choosing between a player who’s a sure thing but will cap as a role player vs a guy the Spurs believe there’s a glimmer of stardom… i choose the latter ten times out of ten

I’ve found myself agreeing with two posters I normally don’t agree with much today, and you’re one of them. This is especially true in a shit draft like this. Swing away, motherfuckers. You’re not going to miss on any obvious great players in this draft, because there aren’t any.

Tangent: it’s also why I’m against trading up. I’d rather have two swings, or pulls of the slot machine, or whatever way you want to put it.

[Uriel]

The last draft to be considered this bad was 2013, when Anthony Bennett was selected #1 overall. But you know who else was in that draft? Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was a young, extremely raw prospect who wasn’t good at basketball, but had the positional size, athleticism, and frame that made scouts dream he could one day blossom into a superstar.

[Truckules]

I’ve found myself agreeing with two posters I normally don’t agree with much today, and you’re one of them. This is especially true in a shit draft like this. Swing away, motherfuckers. You’re not going to miss on any obvious great players in this draft, because there aren’t any.

Tangent: it’s also why I’m against trading up. I’d rather have two swings, or pulls of the slot machine, or whatever way you want to put it.

I heavily disagree with you both. Drafting a bust with a top 10 pick is a cardinal sin for a front office, especially the Spurs, since it's the best way to add talent anymore. Signing free agents used to be the best way since you don't give up anything but cap space to get them, but that's harder than it used to be and it's almost always been hard for this team. Maybe this can change with Vic on the team now, but I'm hesitant until it happens. Trading can be a way but you have to get lucky with your trading partner undervaluing their asset and overvaluing yours.

[jjspur]

Weaknesses: can't play basketball
Man I laughed at that one for at least five minutes.

[Dejounte]

I heavily disagree with you both. Drafting a bust with a top 10 pick is a cardinal sin for a front office, especially the Spurs, since it's the best way to add talent anymore. Signing free agents used to be the best way since you don't give up anything but cap space to get them, but that's harder than it used to be and it's almost always been hard for this team. Maybe this can change with Vic on the team now, but I'm hesitant until it happens. Trading can be a way but you have to get lucky with your trading partner undervaluing their asset and overvaluing yours.

Nobody goes into a draft thinking they’re drafting a bust. It’s because they see something there. And if it turns out a year or two later, there’s nothing there… at least they tried.

A real bust to me is if we drafted someone who we try to cater the offense or defense to only to lessen their touches because they’re just another Bertans on offense. Or the other way around of them starting off as a Bertans on offense and not becoming much more than that after a few years. People say “oh but at least we gained a role player on a future contending team”— whoopty doo tbh.

[spurraider21]

The last draft to be considered this bad was 2013, when Anthony Bennett was selected #1 overall. But you know who else was in that draft? Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was a young, extremely raw prospect who wasn’t good at basketball, but had the positional size, athleticism, and frame that made scouts dream he could one day blossom into a superstar.
anthony randolph

[jjspur]

Typically teams don't waste a lottery pick on role players, let alone two, but in this draft we may not have much of a choice. I'd rather spend my draft capital on players that already have skills rather than on a player who might develop an important skill sometime in a few years - not the best strategy. Do it right and in 4 years, you'll be worrying about how much to pay them, rather than kicking yourself for drafting a bust with very few skills and still wondering why you even drafted them to begin with.

[SpursBills]

Nobody goes into a draft thinking they’re drafting a bust. It’s because they see something there. And if it turns out a year or two later, there’s nothing there… at least they tried.

A real bust to me is if we drafted someone who we try to cater the offense or defense to only to lessen their touches because they’re just another Bertans on offense. Or the other way around of them starting off as a Bertans on offense and not becoming much more than that after a few years. People say “oh but at least we gained a role player on a future contending team”— whoopty doo tbh.

I am personally a little more conservative than you I think, and swinging for a home run is definitely more palatable when you don't have an established centerpiece in place. If you've got nobody in place, and you take a swing and realize after a year or 2 that you miss, the only people that you're probably pissing off are your long-suffering fans who you can feed a new message of hope every year in the lottery. But if your franchise centerpiece is already in place and you swing and miss after 2 years, you've burned 2 years of his window which will probably piss him off so that likely outcomes are also important.

That being said, the majority of a prospect's success comes from his upside tail, so I still do believe in drafting for upside. But personally, I try and draft for a prospect's ~75th percentile outcome, where you're getting either non-outlier development or outlier development in 1 facet, as opposed to trying to swing for a home run and envisioning what would happen with outlier development in multiple core skills.

[Eaglenole2002]

After reading this, I’m just confused how he could rate 7th on the big board and have a sliver of hope to be a superstar. The only positives were his frame, hustle and character. He doesn’t shoot well, doesn’t play defense well, can’t handle the basketball, isn’t an explosive athlete.

What exactly is the appeal here? The write up made him sound like a player worth a two-way deal.

[The Truth #6]

I understand swinging for upside but this draft obviously is confounding. So I'm curious about who the upside swings would be:

Cody, Castle, Topic, Collier, Holland? I think it would be good to put some names out there specifically to make this more grounded.

[SpursBills]

The last draft to be considered this bad was 2013, when Anthony Bennett was selected #1 overall. But you know who else was in that draft? Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was a young, extremely raw prospect who wasn’t good at basketball, but had the positional size, athleticism, and frame that made scouts dream he could one day blossom into a superstar.

I mean, yes on the surface swinging for Salaun sounds like a great idea, because he's got a great frame and great measurements, and his 99th percentile is basically Giannis if he learns to play great defense, bulks up, improves his rim finishing, learns core offensive concepts, gains passing vision, and learns how to play team ball. But once you stretch it that far, you can apply that logic to pretty much.

For example, if Reed Sheppard hits his 99th percentile outcome he develops incredible handles and his 3 point shooting translates on massive volume, isn't that basically just Steph curry?

If Nikola topic became a high volume 3 point shooter and developed his defense with his rim pressure translating, isn't that basically just a better SGA?

This is why I don't think it's wise to draft Salaun - like yes, a Giannis comes around once every generation and maybe you hit, but more often than not you're probably getting Bruno Caboclo

[objective]

I understand swinging for upside but this draft obviously is confounding. So I'm curious about who the upside swings would be:

Cody, Castle, Topic, Collier, Holland? I think it would be good to put some names out there specifically to make this more grounded.

I'm coming around on Holland big time

Great size, 6-8 in shoes, 6-10.75 wingspan. Explosive athlete, fast with and without the ball. Gets downhill in a hurry, not a slow ass bum like Primo who couldn't even get to the nail without a screen. Made some very promising passes, unselfish. Only played 29 of 50? games so he never even got to 'turn a corner' and show improvement because of the hand injury. Scored 19.5 pts a game against grown professionals as an 18 year old on a rudderless team.

His shot is busted. How badly is a point if contention. If that can be fixed, he's right there, he knows how to play basketball, he has body coordination, he sees the floor, he makes plays on defense (2.3 steals & 0.9 blocks).

The only other significant criticism I heard besides the usual for young players (cutting down on turnovers etc) was a charge that he was way too dominant/reliant on jumping off a particular leg and that was holding him back. Considering how many has dropping highlights of athleticism he's had despite that supposed flaw, I don't know how big a deal it is.

[Uriel]

To be clear, I’m not saying I think Salaun will become the next Giannis (he almost certainly will not). Nor am I advocating for drafting him at #8 (I would personally rather have Dillingham if he is available).

I’m merely pointing out the parallels in Salaun and Antetokounmpo‘s situations. Also, if the Spurs do decide to draft him at #8, that would mean that our front office believes in his ability to reach his upside tail, which would be an exciting development in itself.

[SpursFan86]

Look, it’s a cop out answer but this stuff isn’t black or white. It’s not “Player A has upside but Player B is a safe role player”. There are low range outcomes, median outcomes, high-range outcomes and a million alternatives all in between.

Ultimately it comes down to what those possible outcomes are, and what are the %s of each hitting. An “upside prospect” having a 30% chance of busting and 70% chance of becoming an all-star isn’t the same as an upside prospect with a 90% chance of busting and a 10% chance of actually becoming a star.

In the case of Salaun: hate to say it but I view him more as the latter of those scenarios. And when the chances of a guy panning out are that low, then sorry but I’ll gladly take a guy with a higher floor whose ceiling might be a little lower. Keep in mind that it’s entirely possible for guys to end up having a ceiling that wasn’t perceived to be there. You can’t just harp on Salaun’s upside and then act like it’s 100% certainty that Knecht (just using as an example) will never be anything more than a role player.

It just seems wild to me that people would only focus on the top 1% of outcomes and ignore what would play out the other 99% of times. I’m not saying upside is irrelevant but again there’s a spectrum here…and at some point just saying “well I want to gamble on the upside because role players are a dime a dozen” just doesn’t make sense.

[Ariel]

To be clear, I’m not saying I think Salaun will become the next Giannis (he almost certainly will not). Nor am I advocating for drafting him at #8 (I would personally rather have Dillingham if he is available).

I’m merely pointing out the parallels in Salaun and Antetokounmpo‘s situations. Also, if the Spurs do decide to draft him at #8, that would mean that our front office believes in his ability to reach his upside tail, which would be an exciting development in itself.
My guy, there is no parallel possible between Salaun and Giannis, go take a look at pre draft tape from both and tell me where Salaun's upside tail resembles even remotely that of a star. By the way, I'm still waiting for someone (ANYONE) to help me envision what that Salaun upside tail looks like, so far it's all abstract jibberish.

[scott]

Seems exactly like the kind of guy the Blazers would draft. Hopefully they do.

[objective]

Reasonable upside for Salaun:

Trey Lyles without the sleepwalking ?

[Uriel]

My guy, there is no parallel possible between Salaun and Giannis, go take a look at pre draft tape from both and tell me where Salaun's upside tail resembles even remotely that of a star. By the way, I'm still waiting for someone (ANYONE) to help me envision what that Salaun upside tail looks like, so far it's all abstract jibberish.
In response to your first question, I’m saying the parallels between Salaun and Giannis are in their situations, not their games. I’ve already said that I believe that Salaun will almost certainly not become the next Giannis and that I would rather draft Dillingham at #8 if he were available.

In response to your second question, here is pre-draft tape that shows highlights from one of Salaun’s most recent games. Of course, I’m aware that anyone can put together a mixtape that can make anyone look like an all-star. But I post this to point out that Salaun’s upside isn’t 100% abstract, and that he has shown real flashes of his potential, including in playoff games in a major professional basketball league.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=iWDKMSOVqEo&pp=ygUGU2FsYXVu
https://youtube.com/watch?v=iWDKMSOVqEo

[TD 21]

The Antetokounmpo comp is lazy. Just because they're European and of African descent (well, half in Salaun's case) and have a similar build, their games aren't alike at all. The former was a far superior athlete with point forward skills and a worse stroke.


Reasonable upside for Salaun:

Trey Lyles without the sleepwalking ?

Nah, Lyles always had good feel and ball skills for his position.

Toppin is probably the best comp.

[BatManu20]

Yea Obi Toppin has been his most consistent player comp that I've seen from scouts, and I'm not a huge fan of Toppin's game personally, especially on the defensive end. I won't melt down if we draft him at 7, I just think there'll be better players available at 8 tbh.

[rankingtear]

Salaun is perfect Wemby complement at the 4 as a role player. He should hit those deep above the break threes that neutralizes how they guard Wemby with a small defender + a rim protector behind him. He can cross match against centers as he fills out that could take Wemby rim protection out of the paint. I think these are two things you feel good about getting there even as raw as he is on the other stuff. The swing is guarding in space and attacking closeouts.

[T Park]

He’s 18 and raw and anyone that can accurately say or predict what he will become doesn’t know

That said.

If they had a second pick LAST year, I would be 100% on board.


Not now. If the team was further along, I could talk myself into it.


Pass. Pass all day long.

[ChumpDumper]

Toppin is probably the best comp.


Yea Obi Toppin has been his most consistent player comp that I've seen from scouts, and I'm not a huge fan of Toppin's game personally, especially on the defensive end. I won't melt down if we draft him at 7, I just think there'll be better players available at 8 tbh.This is nuts because further down the draft there is a Dayton perimeter PF with clearly better defense.

[objective]

It's taken Toppin years to get where he is and he's still a backup whose original team gave up on. And that's with explosive verticality.

And after beginning the season with his new team as the starter he was so good they traded for Siakam to take his role from him.

[duncan2150]

Imo Salaun is nothing close to toppin.I coule see a good comp in Patrick williams : raw prospect, flashes, good physical tools. Still not m'y pick at 8 but i'll trust all the french reporters about him and not Some Dumb comments saying he can't play basketball. He is an 18 years old kid playing on a good french team and in Europe, a lot of people underestimate that.

[rascal]

Seems exactly like the kind of guy the Blazers would draft. Hopefully they do.

Blazers like Athleticism

So no they won't draft Salaun

[Ariel]

In response to your first question, I’m saying the parallels between Salaun and Giannis are in their situations, not their games. I’ve already said that I believe that Salaun will almost certainly not become the next Giannis and that I would rather draft Dillingham at #8 if he were available.

In response to your second question, here is pre-draft tape that shows highlights from one of Salaun’s most recent games. Of course, I’m aware that anyone can put together a mixtape that can make anyone look like an all-star. But I post this to point out that Salaun’s upside isn’t 100% abstract, and that he has shown real flashes of his potential, including in playoff games in a major professional basketball league.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=iWDKMSOVqEo&pp=ygUGU2FsYXVu
https://youtube.com/watch?v=iWDKMSOVqEo
Here's a more representative sample of his game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9B1bw2L9YU
It's long, but you can skip here and there, like take a look at his finishing at 6:40, watch a few minutes starting at 8:50...you'll see that his skill level leaves a lot to be desired.
Best case scenario for him is he works his butt off for years and learns to play simple and efficient in a very well defined and limited role, as a stretch 4, where he just plays really physical defense, crashes the boards and gets garbage points that way, sets hard screens and consistently hits 3s at a high volume. That's a valuable role and it isn't impossible he gets there, but I'd say it's a long shot and it would take a long time of him playing through his mistakes, if Spurs had a pick in the 20s then maybe you take a flyer, but this is one of the last top 10 picks (possibly the last) the Spurs are going to have in a long time, so I'd prefer to use it on someone with a better foundation than Salaun.

[Ariel]

Imo Salaun is nothing close to toppin.I coule see a good comp in Patrick williams : raw prospect, flashes, good physical tools. Still not m'y pick at 8 but i'll trust all the french reporters about him and not Some Dumb comments saying he can't play basketball. He is an 18 years old kid playing on a good french team and in Europe, a lot of people underestimate that.
Have you ever considered watching him by yourself and making your own opinion? You're not forced to buy into anyone else's portrayal of him, from French reporters or "dumb comments", you know?

[duncan2150]

Have you ever considered watching him by yourself and making your own opinion? You're not forced to buy into anyone else's portrayal of him, from French reporters or "dumb comments", you know?.Yes i have a tv and computer. I live in paris so i watched him a few times (not in person ) and then i think listening to some podcasts or other is interesting. Furthermore if They have some Intel about the background ect... that's the Way i make m'y opinion.

[itzsoweezee]

He’s definitely a worthy gamble at 8. Size+shooting is the hardest combo to come by in the NBA. I’d rather the Spurs take their chances on this guy than some blah AAU/NCAA dude.

[Dejounte]

I am personally a little more conservative than you I think, and swinging for a home run is definitely more palatable when you don't have an established centerpiece in place. If you've got nobody in place, and you take a swing and realize after a year or 2 that you miss, the only people that you're probably pissing off are your long-suffering fans who you can feed a new message of hope every year in the lottery. But if your franchise centerpiece is already in place and you swing and miss after 2 years, you've burned 2 years of his window which will probably piss him off so that likely outcomes are also important.

That being said, the majority of a prospect's success comes from his upside tail, so I still do believe in drafting for upside. But personally, I try and draft for a prospect's ~75th percentile outcome, where you're getting either non-outlier development or outlier development in 1 facet, as opposed to trying to swing for a home run and envisioning what would happen with outlier development in multiple core skills.

An established centerpiece still needs a star or two next to him. The Spurs need to be desperate to find one no matter what avenue they take: draft, FA, trade. There are stars in the NBA who don’t get any second star next to them until like their 10th year. The Spurs should avoid that as much as possible. Using this draft to be content with finding a role player when there’s a possibility of finding a star is a waste of Wemby’s years.

I’m not an advocate of Salaun per say— i am an advocate of the Spurs doing the best they can to get talented players, and not play safe about it.

[Extra Stout]

If Jamal Murray is good enough to be the second star on a champion, then so is Darius Garland. His cost will probably be lower than Trae Young or Dejounte Murray because the face-saving dynamic that is there with Atlanta is not there with Cleveland. Why keep taking swings in the draft for guys like Salaun to be a second star when he can be had? Who in the 2024 draft realistically has upside higher than what Garland was doing before Mitchell arrived?

[exstatic]

I understand swinging for upside but this draft obviously is confounding. So I'm curious about who the upside swings would be:

Cody, Castle, Topic, Collier, Holland? I think it would be good to put some names out there specifically to make this more grounded.

I personally don’t see either Topic or Castle as upside swings, since they both just need one skill, and the same one at that, shooting from distance, to pop.

[R. DeMurre]

Higher upside can be such an abstract concept-- Jonathan Kuminga and James Wiseman had higher upside than Franz Wagner and Tyrese Haliburton, but the reasons for this were gauzy at best. The latter two had much more demonstrated success, while Wiseman & Kuminga had projections. I don't think there's a single definitive way to approach the draft process. Even in the abstraction of High floor/high bust potential vs high floor/low bust potential, there are many moving parts and every comparison has degrees of guesswork and potential slippage with regard to possible outcomes. But one of the great things about a stockpile of picks is you can play around with both approaches.

[exstatic]

This is nuts because further down the draft there is a Dayton perimeter PF with clearly better defense.

Isn’t there also an actual Toppin, although unrelated?

[exstatic]

Look, it’s a cop out answer but this stuff isn’t black or white. It’s not “Player A has upside but Player B is a safe role player”. There are low range outcomes, median outcomes, high-range outcomes and a million alternatives all in between.

Ultimately it comes down to what those possible outcomes are, and what are the %s of each hitting. An “upside prospect” having a 30% chance of busting and 70% chance of becoming an all-star isn’t the same as an upside prospect with a 90% chance of busting and a 10% chance of actually becoming a star.

In the case of Salaun: hate to say it but I view him more as the latter of those scenarios. And when the chances of a guy panning out are that low, then sorry but I’ll gladly take a guy with a higher floor whose ceiling might be a little lower. Keep in mind that it’s entirely possible for guys to end up having a ceiling that wasn’t perceived to be there. You can’t just harp on Salaun’s upside and then act like it’s 100% certainty that Knecht (just using as an example) will never be anything more than a role player.

It just seems wild to me that people would only focus on the top 1% of outcomes and ignore what would play out the other 99% of times. I’m not saying upside is irrelevant but again there’s a spectrum here…and at some point just saying “well I want to gamble on the upside because role players are a dime a dozen” just doesn’t make sense.

What tmvp’s artcle seemed to be saying is that there is a lack of actual players with even 10% star upside, and that Salaun was one of the few.

[ambchang]

Sad that the next yinka date is a potential #8 pick in this draft. That said, I think the spurs should trade down to 15 or so to nab him and some other minor assets if that’s available. He could turn out good, like the next bam abedeyo, if he ever gets his footwork, iq up to par. That would be phenomenal.

[Mr. Body]

What tmvp’s artcle seemed to be saying is that there is a lack of actual players with even 10% star upside, and that Salaun was one of the few.

Has a player with such a poor understanding of basketball ever become a star? He has pathways to success, but it's not stardom. I swear people just see a slab of meat and think basketball can be downloaded into their brains. Teams might as well draft pine trees.

[ace3g]

https://x.com/JeffGSpursZone/status/1799100486739738689

[ace3g]

https://x.com/NBADraftWass/status/1799138090923204999

[BatManu20]

1799136550208336040

[ace3g]

https://x.com/gimmesomekidsVW/status/1799121918030688742

[spurraider21]

doc rivers looking motherfucker

[rjv]

doc rivers looking motherfucker


wonder if doc ever spent any time in France about 20 years ago.

[Limguogolo]

What do you expect for a pick 8 in a bad draft? There are plenty of things Salaun can't do and will probably never be asked to do, but he has excellent qualities to be a good role player.

It's a fantastic energizer, for worse, but often for better. Currently in the final of the French ProA, there is Nadir Hifi who also plays this role in a completely different position. They are instinctive players who work like dogs on defense and who make three-point shots from elsewhere. Salaun is Bruce Banner who can transform into the incredible Hulk without warning and pull out a brilliant action that will knock out the opposing team and delight his team's fans.

Some should perhaps think about stopping trying to have complete players capable of doing everything in all positions at the risk of seeing average players in all sectors. Salaun, you ask him for energy, three-pointers, madness, work ethic. It's a sort of mix between Toppin, Gordon and Manu. It won't be Superman or Iron-man. But the incredible Hulk. And sometimes, just Matt B[a]nner with no shot.

Yes, he's R.A.W. : Roar. Athletic. Wow. Give Hulk some love.

(I doubt he ends up at the Spurs though. So relax. Anyone the Spurs have their eye on ends up in Portland.)

[Mr. Body]

People are so desperate to distract from the fact that this guy can't play basketball they're breaking out their comic books.

[jeebus]

I'm hoping the Spurs pick him just to see this place be salty for about 6 years.

[heyheymymy]

Once the Spurs finish developing Cissokosanity into a superstar SA will terrrorize the league with that TIDDY SIDY death squad lineup /s

[heyheymymy]

*fuck typo

[Limguogolo]

Sidy Scissorkohands


(https://screenrant.com/edward-scissorhands-town-colors-detail-tragic/)

[PhantomDashCam]

https://x.com/NBADraftWass/status/1799138090923204999

Portland is going to have invest in new rims after Dunn and Holland are through with them.

[CGD]

https://x.com/NBADraftWass/status/1799138090923204999

The fight for 14

[exstatic]

I'm hoping the Spurs pick him just to see this place be salty for about 6 years.

Salaun thread!

[NASpurs]

https://x.com/NBADraftWass/status/1799138090923204999


^^^ lefty, is that Lionel Missi?

[SpursDynasty85]

Okay. sign me up!

[Extra Stout]

Portland is going to have invest in new rims after Dunn and Holland are through with them.
Doing their part to solve the West Coast housing shortage.

[ace3g]

https://x.com/DraftExpress/status/1800703901257039940

[DAF86]

Yeah, we don't need to spend more time talking about this guy. Next.

[ace3g]

From TP's IG story

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GQJdJMAWYAA27U9?format=png&name=900x900

[Dejounte]

From TP's IG story

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GQJdJMAWYAA27U9?format=png&name=900x900

Oh man this guy is definitely the pick at 8.

[Mr. Body]

Nice that the only two lotto picks we've announced having worked out are the two French guys. It's like saying to Wemby, "See? We did them a favor. Now we'll pick somebody else."

[heyheymymy]

man that new facility at the rock looks sleek

[exstatic]

Nice that the only two lotto picks we've announced having worked out are the two French guys. It's like saying to Wemby, "See? We did them a favor. Now we'll pick somebody else."

Or, Spurs don’t want to draft them, so they tip their hand by announcing the workout, knowing other teams have a habit of jumping in front of us.

[Ariel]

Oh man this guy is definitely the pick at 8.
I don't know... would seem too obvious. I kind of lean the opposite way... or maybe it's wishful thinking.

[Dejounte]

Tony Parker isn’t employed by the Spurs so this isn’t some “announcement” by them. Thinking they’re masterminding the situation by coordinating with Tony to do an IG photo seems a little bit much.

All that reeks of coping mechanisms by sniffers (makes me ick by saying that but in this sense, it’s true) thinking the Spurs pre-plan everything up to their failures as a sort of chess move.

[Mr. Body]

Tony Parker isn’t employed by the Spurs so this isn’t some “announcement” by them. Thinking they’re masterminding the situation by coordinating with Tony to do an IG photo seems a little bit much.

All that reeks of coping mechanisms by sniffers (makes me ick by saying that but in this sense, it’s true) thinking the Spurs pre-plan everything up to their failures as a sort of chess move.

It's a stretch to think he posted this without their permission. He's supporting a French dude, but they either wanted him to or let him.

[ace3g]

Here is the video.

https://x.com/SpursReporter/status/1802095683953922097

[CGD]

^ was just gonna say, the dude with the gold shoes looks like Carter.

[Uriel]

I'm increasingly of the belief that, unless by some miracle Risacher drops to #4, our first round draft haul will be Castle and Salaun.

[Mr. Body]

I'm increasingly of the belief that, unless by some miracle Risacher drops to #4, our first round draft haul will be Castle and Salaun.

I'm not convinced they'd pick Risacher if Castle is there. I don't think Risacher is their choice. And I don't think Salaun is on the menu.

[Dejounte]

Get to know your future Spur…


https://youtu.be/CATmb28ohJk?feature=shared

I have to say… I’m not impressed with his current basketball abilities… but after watching this video, I’m not sure I would bet against him becoming much better as the years go on. His character is on full display in this video and it shines. The determination on this kid seems incredible.

I’m rooting hard for this kid if he gets drafted by us tbh. Extremely likable and not the kind of loud, vocal way.

[CGD]

I'm increasingly of the belief that, unless by some miracle Risacher drops to #4, our first round draft haul will be Castle and Salaun.

I feel it will be between Williams and Salaun at 8, but I also believe the RC wing of the front office won’t be able to help themselves if Topic is still there at 8 so there’s that factor too.

[Ariel]

OK, all kidding aside, let's be real for a second: Spurs probably will work out just about everybody projected to go in the lottery, I'd be surprised if even a single player is left out, with the exception of Topic who is injured but will probably interview as well.

Also, I doubt you can keep these kind of multiple-player workouts from other teams, too many people involved for something not to leak (players, agents, etc). If another organization wants to find out, they have plenty of resources to track down who is working out where, and I don't mean social media.

Salaun is probably a target not because he had a workout, but rather he fits the mold of "3D chess" kind of drafting the FO is often guilty of, where they go so far ahead looking for things no one else sees that they trip over their shoelaces. They just need to keep it simple and not outsmart themselves yet again. I'd rather trade the pick if he's the target at 8.

[KingKev]

Apparently he has the same agent as Wemby also…

[Mr. Body]

OK, all kidding aside, let's be real for a second: Spurs probably will work out just about everybody projected to go in the lottery, I'd be surprised if even a single player is left out, with the exception of Topic who is injured but will probably interview as well.

Also, I doubt you can keep these kind of multiple-player workouts from other teams, too many people involved for something not to leak (players, agents, etc). If another organization wants to find out, they have plenty of resources to track down who is working out where, and I don't mean social media.

Salaun is probably a target not because he had a workout, but rather he fits the mold of "3D chess" kind of drafting the FO is often guilty of, where they go so far ahead looking for things no one else sees that they trip over their shoelaces. They just need to keep it simple and not outsmart themselves yet again. I'd rather trade the pick if he's the target at 8.

The Spurs are super tight about information. They're not the only org that is. OKC, for example. A couple years ago we had no idea who they were bringing in for the 20 and 25 picks, or whatever they were. We had no idea that Sochan was in.

It's really not hard to do this and they manage to do so without aplomb. Just ask players and agents not to say anything, etc.

Which makes it unusual that Risacher and Salaun have both been tabbed as having worked out with the Spurs. It's not super meaningful, as you say. You're right, that they'll work out a lot of people, including players we'll never hear about, such as Buzelis. I'm sure Holland. Etc. We will never, ever know. I'm sure the motives for getting Rizz and Salaun out there is wholesome, just flashing that they like these French players. Maybe they like them, probably do, maybe not put them in tiers above other players, maybe will. But it is unusual that the news is out there.

[CGD]

OK, all kidding aside, let's be real for a second: Spurs probably will work out just about everybody projected to go in the lottery, I'd be surprised if even a single player is left out, with the exception of Topic who is injured but will probably interview as well.

Also, I doubt you can keep these kind of multiple-player workouts from other teams, too many people involved for something not to leak (players, agents, etc). If another organization wants to find out, they have plenty of resources to track down who is working out where, and I don't mean social media.

Salaun is probably a target not because he had a workout, but rather he fits the mold of "3D chess" kind of drafting the FO is often guilty of, where they go so far ahead looking for things no one else sees that they trip over their shoelaces. They just need to keep it simple and not outsmart themselves yet again. I'd rather trade the pick if he's the target at 8.

This is probably all true at some level, but right around pick 8 is when there is a drop off in this draft. We talk about it being flat for the first six or seven picks, but after that it feels like a total crap shoot.

So if they see something in him why not take a swing at 8? Because Cody, Topic, or Carter are far and away better? Plus, unless Clingan is there at 8 not sure what other player teams behind us are dying to trade for at that point.

[Degoat]

ST ain’t gonna be happy, I kinda think if Risacher doesn’t fall to 4, Salaun will be the pick because we will be able to grab a guard at 8.

[Dejounte]

ST ain’t gonna be happy, I kinda think if Risacher doesn’t fall to 4, Salaun will be the pick because we will be able to grab a guard at 8.

I think the Blazers are seriously looking at him with their 7th pick, so yeah, the Spurs might take Salaun with their 4th to prevent that.

[Mr. Body]

Adding, the only signal that has caught my attention was Dillingham apparently lobbying the Spurs to pick him. If true, that runs against their normal practices. They wouldn't want him to talk if they worked him out or plan to work him out.

Out of everything it's a signal that there hasn't been contact.

[Mr. Body]

And if the Spurs do take a Salaun at 4 that's a massive reach. Portland would be making a mistake at 7 as it is.

Unless they do it to make Wembanyama happy, which is a problem in itself.

[CGD]

I think the Blazers are seriously looking at him with their 7th pick, so yeah, the Spurs might take Salaun with their 4th to prevent that.

Salaun at 4 would be wild. This board would melt down. I assumed people were talking about him at 8, where I think he’d still be a reach (but a justifiable one).

[Ariel]

And if the Spurs do take a Salaun at 4 that's a massive reach. Portland would be making a mistake at 7 as it is.

Unless they do it to make Wembanyama happy, which is a problem in itself.
How about drafting players with actual basketball skills? I'm going to go out on a limb and say that would go a long way to making Wemby happy.

[Ariel]

If Salaun is the pick at 4, the whole FO needs to be replaced before Wemby asks out. Seriously.

[Dejounte]

Salaun at 4 would be wild. This board would melt down. I assumed people were talking about him at 8, where I think he’d still be a reach (but a justifiable one).

I’d love it tbh. Bring back the chaos on this board

[Mr. Body]

Taking Salaun at 4 would be like taking Dom Barlow at 4. Has more innate talent, maybe, but years from being playable. It'll be like three years in the G League and then spot minutes at most. Hope I'm wrong but the likelihood of a player there anytime soon is very low.

[Pauleta14]

He's reached a level nobody thought he could reach 3-4 years ago

In 3-4 years he'll have reached levels we can't imagine today.

I can see him becoming so deadly on defense and automatic on 3. For all his lack of fluidity and "feel" for the game, his mecanics keeps getting more efficient.

He has quite a long range at 3pts shooting already for ex

[Mr. Body]

He's reached a level nobody thought he could reach 3-4 years ago

In 3-4 years he'll have reached levels we can't imagine today.

I can see him becoming so deadly on defense and automatic on 3. For all his lack of fluidity and "feel" for the game, his mecanics keeps getting more efficient.

He has quite a long range at 3pts shooting already for ex

I'm reminded of that Simpsons meme where the guy thinks they'll be selling billions of disco records in no time.

[BacktoBasics]

I respect the hype and this kids work ethic and progress. He is on the bottom of my list for what I prefer. Just too raw and we need to legitimately address need.

[Pauleta14]

I'm reminded of that Simpsons meme where the guy thinks they'll be selling billions of disco records in no time.

I haven't read or heard anyone saying he'll be a star.

He can become an elite role player if put in a system that doesn't expose his limitations and allows him to be super efficient in a few tasks (3pts, slashing and defending multiple position)

The reason I'm betting on him keeping progressing the way he did the last 4 years is his work ethic and character. Those are some of the most reliable criterias long term.

I just can't imagine him stopping his development in a Spurs environement (I could in a WASH or DET's...)

He's not my 1st choice but it would make sense at 8 rather than Buzelis or Holland imho

[Twisted_Dawg]

I haven't read or heard anyone saying he'll be a star.

He can become an elite role player if put in a system that doesn't expose his limitations and allows him to be super efficient in a few tasks (3pts, slashing and defending multiple position)

The reason I'm betting on him keeping progressing the way he did the last 4 years is his work ethic and character. Those are some of the most reliable criterias long term.

I just can't imagine him stopping his development in a Spurs environement (I could in a WASH or DET's...)

He's not my 1st choice but it would make sense at 8 rather than Buzelis or Holland imho

Victor needs help immediately. Not in 3-4 years when this kid may or may not have bloosomed.

[sfernald]

I haven't read or heard anyone saying he'll be a star.

He can become an elite role player if put in a system that doesn't expose his limitations and allows him to be super efficient in a few tasks (3pts, slashing and defending multiple position)

The reason I'm betting on him keeping progressing the way he did the last 4 years is his work ethic and character. Those are some of the most reliable criterias long term.

I just can't imagine him stopping his development in a Spurs environement (I could in a WASH or DET's...)

He's not my 1st choice but it would make sense at 8 rather than Buzelis or Holland imho

They were comparing him to Giannis there for a hot minute before they decided to lay off the hard stuff.

[BatManu20]

We’re really gonna pick this kid at 4 aren’t we :lol

[BatManu20]

The meltdown in here will be fun at least tbh.

[Pauleta14]

Victor needs help immediately. Not in 3-4 years when this kid may or may not have bloosomed.

Only a couple would help immediately and they'll be gone by 8

Again he's not my 1st choice but I haven't studied him as much as the Spurs have. They know who they like.

I'm just saying it would make sense taking the highiest ceiling available player at 8. Whether it's Salaun, Cody or Holland

[Pauleta14]

They were comparing him to Giannis there for a hot minute before they decided to lay off the hard stuff.

I missed that. That's a massive stretch

He does have impressive athleticism for an ONLY 18yo kid tho, then you add his character, determination, work ethic, entourage etc

You look at the massive improvements he's had already especially shooting the 3...

Look at the PO & finals and the importance of those role players!

[Pauleta14]

We’re really gonna pick this kid at 4 aren’t we :lol


The meltdown in here will be fun at least tbh.

Nah not at 4

Let's be honest, wouldn't we all be disapointed if a ST meltdwon doesn't happen? :lol

[sfernald]

I missed that. That's a massive stretch

He does have impressive athleticism for an ONLY 18yo kid tho, then you add his character, determination, work ethic, entourage etc

You look at the massive improvements he's had already especially shooting the 3...

Look at the PO & finals and the importance of those role players!

I’m fine with them taking him at #8 if they truly believe he can be one of the best players in the draft. They def have more data than all of us on this matter.

[Leetonidas]

The meltdown in here will be fun at least tbh.

The "Salaun...you son of a bitch, I'm in" cope threads afterwards will be the best part tbh

[CGD]

The ideal scenario is for Matas to fall to 8, which Chicago is said to like. The spurs trade back, pick up another asset, and select TJ (or Cody) at 11.

This, after taking Castle at 4.

[John B]

I’m okay with him at 8th. His potential is intriguing. If the kid grows to 6’11” he’ll be a massive help. I don’t mind a big swing at 8th if the Spurs believe on this kid.

[LeBowen]

As long as it's not Topic or Ignite duo I'll stomatch the pick.
He's got the size and he can shoot, I guess that's a start.
But he'd probably be useless for a year or even two.

[Mr. Body]

If they're really not into Dillingham, I might take Salaun over Williams. I probably take Carter first. It gets a little dodgy.

I was looking at production vs. Ousmane Dieng, who intrigued many of us two years ago.

Salaun was better in a better league.

https://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=tidjane-salaun--ousmane-dieng

[Duncan2177]

Salaun looks like a project that I would expect a player like him to be taken in the 20s at best. Just my opinion.

[jjspur]

I’m fine with them taking him at #8 if they truly believe he can be one of the best players in the draft. They def have more data than all of us on this matter.

Even when teams have all the best data on players, they still manage to screw up and draft a dud. It happens almost every draft. The spurs have drafted stretches and duds. I don't think we'll be in this position again, drafting two top 10 picks in one draft. Hopefully they don't reach or draft some guy out of left field. When they do , they won't have anything to show for all the tanking they've purposely done. Do us all a favor, draft a player with real talent not potential talent. In four years, you'll feel better about your choice.

[Mr. Body]

Salaun looks like a project that I would expect a player like him to be taken in the 20s at best. Just my opinion.

If Salaun was Italian or from Africa he'd not be getting this attention. It's the Wemby effect. This is the second year in a row that Wemby is getting a French project to go in the first half of the lottery who wouldn't have pulled the attention otherwise.

[fafo]

On a team where half the roster is easily replaceable, it'd be really frustrating to draft a guy who isn't ready to play even some spot minutes.

[Ariel]

The "Salaun...you son of a bitch, I'm in" cope threads afterwards will be the best part tbh
It kind of already started, if you can read between the lines.

[Ariel]

If they're really not into Dillingham, I might take Salaun over Williams. I probably take Carter first. It gets a little dodgy.

I was looking at production vs. Ousmane Dieng, who intrigued many of us two years ago.

Salaun was better in a better league.

https://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=tidjane-salaun--ousmane-dieng
He's better than Ousmane Dieng???!!! Damn, that's impressive stuff. Bring him on.

[Ariel]

Only a couple would help immediately and they'll be gone by 8

Again he's not my 1st choice but I haven't studied him as much as the Spurs have. They know who they like.

I'm just saying it would make sense taking the highiest ceiling available player at 8. Whether it's Salaun, Cody or Holland
Dillingham, Devin Carter or Jarred McCain will be available at 8. Want a high upside project? Fine, trade back and pick up one of them plus Pacome Dadiet, Cam Christie, There's plenty of prospects with higher upside than Salaun.

Bottom line is, you don't use a top 10 pick on a long term project with high chances of busting and a role player ceiling. If we were talking a pick in the 20s, fine, whatever. But this feels like a complete waste of a top pick.

[Mr. Body]

He's better than Ousmane Dieng???!!! Damn, that's impressive stuff. Bring him on.

That's G League MVP Ousmane Dieng, sir.

[Pauleta14]

Dillingham, Devin Carter or Jarred McCain will be available at 8. Want a high upside project? Fine, trade back and pick up one of them plus Pacome Dadiet, Cam Christie, There's plenty of prospects with higher upside than Salaun.

Bottom line is, you don't use a top 10 pick on a long term project with high chances of busting and a role player ceiling. If we were talking a pick in the 20s, fine, whatever. But this feels like a complete waste of a top pick.

Of course there are other choices. I just assumed we'd pick a guard at 4 and a wing at 8

It really depends on who are THEIR guys, whether they want to fill a position/need or the best potential available etc

We have so many needs tbh

I could see them take Dilli or Reed at 4 and Salaun or Cody at 8 (not a fan of Buzelis/Holland but they know better than me)

Whoever we pick at 8 (maybe even at 4) will be a long term project anyway

[Dejounte]

Dillingham, Devin Carter or Jarred McCain will be available at 8. Want a high upside project? Fine, trade back and pick up one of them plus Pacome Dadiet, Cam Christie, There's plenty of prospects with higher upside than Salaun.

Bottom line is, you don't use a top 10 pick on a long term project with high chances of busting and a role player ceiling. If we were talking a pick in the 20s, fine, whatever. But this feels like a complete waste of a top pick.

The reason Salaun is in discussion of being a top 10 pick in the first place is because teams believe he’s got a high ceiling. It isn’t just the Spurs showing interest, but multiple teams have. There’s rationale to drafting him with a top 10 pick. No team that has shown interest is thinking they’re drafting him because he has a role player ceiling.

[jjspur]

That's G League MVP Ousmane Dieng, sir.

Are you sure about that ? You might be thinking YMCA league MVP Ousmane Dieng or former spur Georgi Dieng.( Actually I've met Georgi Dieng - he's a really cool down to earth guy no disrespect to him.)

[Ariel]

The reason Salaun is in discussion of being a top 10 pick in the first place is because teams believe he’s got a high ceiling. It’s false that there’s no rationale behind drafting Salaun because obviously there is. It’s okay to believe he has a high chance of busting, but wrong to impose your own belief on what his ceiling is. For the record, I haven’t seen anything to be high on Salaun for but my beliefs =\ truth.
Are we going to argue semantics now? Outcomes aren't deterministic and just about anything said here is an opinion, so it feels redundant to state 'it is my opinion that the high ceiling outcomes have exceedingly low probabilities of occurrence' and figured the shorthand 'role player ceiling' was fairly easy to understand. If I search your usage of the term ceiling in your posting history, am I not going to find the same wording you object here? come on...

Needless clarifications aside, teams sell themselves into taking these projects all the time and of course there is a rationale behind it, but it's usually based on elaborate projections loosely rooted in reality. For Salaun specifically, all you read about is his character and work ethic, which is obviously great but hardly enough to become a high level NBA player. I could see the case if we were talking about an African kid who just picked a basketball at 15, but he's been playing the sport his whole life in some of the most prestigious programs in the world and yet he's painfully raw. That is quite a red flag to me.

I've said numerous times what I believe Salaun is right now and what he could realistically become: he's long, hustles like crazy and shoots with confidence with mediocre efficiency, but doesn't look like a super fluid or coordinated athlete , isn't bouncy, his skill level all around is quite poor (ball handling, passing, atrocious finishing at the rim), and doesn't stand out as a high level processor of the game. Those aren't easy to improve especially if you've been properly coached since childhood. What does that "high ceiling" of his look like in practical terms? Who do you see him possibly becoming and what would be a realistic path towards it?

[BatManu20]

1799909010470010941

[duncan2150]

If they're really not into Dillingham, I might take Salaun over Williams. I probably take Carter first. It gets a little dodgy.

I was looking at production vs. Ousmane Dieng, who intrigued many of us two years ago.

Salaun was better in a better league.

https://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=tidjane-salaun--ousmane-dieng

i don't have lot of intels about dieng but the eye test is way better for salaun imo

he will not be the pick 4 imo but he's in play for 8

[Splits]

If they waste a top-8 pick on this bust or that Bustzelis guy, fuck me fuck this franchise and Wemby run as fast as you can away from south texas

[TD 21]

In a draft like, the problem isn't him at 8, it's Castle at 4 because if you're going to take a project with the latter, it'd be nice to have a baseline level of certainty with the former.

They won't even have that by selecting someone who compares favorably to this illustrious list: Exum, Ntilikina, Culver, Daniels (too soon), Black (too soon) and to a lesser extent (more true PG's) Payton, Mudiay, Dunn, Hayes and (more wings) Winslow, (Stanley) Johnson, (Josh) Jackson.

This is shaping up to the be the '22 draft redux, only with greater stakes because the picks are higher and they have one of the GOAT prospects. They screw this up, heads needs to roll.

[Mr. Body]

In a draft like, the problem isn't him at 8, it's Castle at 4 because if you're going to take a project with the latter, it'd be nice to have a baseline level of certainty with the former.

They won't even have that by selecting someone who compares favorably to this illustrious list: Exum, Ntilikina, Culver, Daniels (too soon), Black (too soon) and to a lesser extent (more true PG's) Payton, Mudiay, Dunn, Hayes and (more wings) Winslow, (Stanley) Johnson, (Josh) Jackson.

This is shaping up to the be the '22 draft redux, only with greater stakes because the picks are higher and they have one of the GOAT prospects. They screw this up, heads needs to roll.

IMO Castle is far more certain than most of those players. A lot of them were playing for poor teams and unimpressive situations. Jackson and Winslow are probably the exceptions, but I don't think any of them showed the feel and ability that Castle showed on UConn. That's a massive difference to me. You're not looking at an athletic marvel who may learn how to play basketball, hopefully; you're looking at a pretty good athletic who has already shown a tremendous feel for basketball.

[exstatic]

In a draft like, the problem isn't him at 8, it's Castle at 4 because if you're going to take a project with the latter, it'd be nice to have a baseline level of certainty with the former.

They won't even have that by selecting someone who compares favorably to this illustrious list: Exum, Ntilikina, Culver, Daniels (too soon), Black (too soon) and to a lesser extent (more true PG's) Payton, Mudiay, Dunn, Hayes and (more wings) Winslow, (Stanley) Johnson, (Josh) Jackson.

This is shaping up to the be the '22 draft redux, only with greater stakes because the picks are higher and they have one of the GOAT prospects. They screw this up, heads needs to roll.

There are no such players in this draft. Everyone has holes in their game.

[TD 21]

There are no such players in this draft. Everyone has holes in their game.

I realize not all will be available to them (though they clearly have the assets to trade up for any if they're so inclined), but: Sarr, Risacher, Clingan, Sheppard, Dillingham, Knecht and Carter are all projected lottery picks that at least stand a good chance of having long careers.

[exstatic]

I realize not all will be available to them (though they clearly have the assets to trade up for any if they're so inclined), but: Sarr, Risacher, Clingan, Sheppard, Dillingham, Knecht and Carter are all projected lottery picks that at least stand a good chance of having long careers.

Sure, but you used the words “level of certainty”, and I think there are zero players with a level of certainty. If there were one, he would be the consensus #1.

[Dejounte]

Are we going to argue semantics now? Outcomes aren't deterministic and just about anything said here is an opinion, so it feels redundant to state 'it is my opinion that the high ceiling outcomes have exceedingly low probabilities of occurrence' and figured the shorthand 'role player ceiling' was fairly easy to understand. If I search your usage of the term ceiling in your posting history, am I not going to find the same wording you object here? come on...

Needless clarifications aside, teams sell themselves into taking these projects all the time and of course there is a rationale behind it, but it's usually based on elaborate projections loosely rooted in reality. For Salaun specifically, all you read about is his character and work ethic, which is obviously great but hardly enough to become a high level NBA player. I could see the case if we were talking about an African kid who just picked a basketball at 15, but he's been playing the sport his whole life in some of the most prestigious programs in the world and yet he's painfully raw. That is quite a red flag to me.

I've said numerous times what I believe Salaun is right now and what he could realistically become: he's long, hustles like crazy and shoots with confidence with mediocre efficiency, but doesn't look like a super fluid or coordinated athlete , isn't bouncy, his skill level all around is quite poor (ball handling, passing, atrocious finishing at the rim), and doesn't stand out as a high level processor of the game. Those aren't easy to improve especially if you've been properly coached since childhood. What does that "high ceiling" of his look like in practical terms? Who do you see him possibly becoming and what would be a realistic path towards it?

From what I’ve read, Salaun didn’t start basketball until very late. Where did you read that he has been playing the sport “all his life”?

In practical terms, I see his play style becoming reminiscent of something between Kelly Oubre Jr and Jerami Grant. I think he can be a better coached version of either of those two if he lands with the Spurs. I think there’s an alternate universe out there somewhere where if Oubre or Grant had better coaching in their earlier years they would be twice the player they are now. Oubre and Grant both exhibit poor feel (and are inefficient chuckers) for the game right now and it’s easy to name a lot of NBA players right now who get by on poor feel. Salaun can develop that part of his game (as well as all of his skills) or not develop his feel and still be a player that will be in the league for 10 years. If he did develop feel? Maybe that’s going to be a hell of a player. Salaun is not shy to take jump shots and is very similar to the two players I mentioned.

Their offensive bag is not all that complex, ballhandling is basic, footwork not that advanced… so Salaun doesn’t really have a tall mountain to climb. Grant and Oubre both excel because they have confidence to shoot. That’s how they’ve gotten by and have gotten paychecks for. I think these are good comps for him. Good versions of these guys are probably what teams are banking on. Is it a fit with Wemby? Maybe if they’re trying to ensure that the team can still score with him on the bench, yes.


https://youtu.be/FhV4K7NWXNw?feature=shared


https://youtu.be/vmND5Ov4ov8?feature=shared

[Ariel]

From what I’ve read, Salaun didn’t start basketball until very late. Where did you read that he has been playing the sport “all his life”?

In practical terms, I see his play style becoming reminiscent of something between Kelly Oubre Jr and Jerami Grant. I think he can be a better coached version of either of those two if he lands with the Spurs. I think there’s an alternate universe out there somewhere where if Oubre or Grant had better coaching in their earlier years they would be twice the player they are now. Oubre and Grant both exhibit poor feel for the game right now and it’s easy to name a lot of NBA players right now who get by on poor feel. Salaun can develop that part of his game (as well as all of his skills) or not develop his feel and still be a player that will be in the league for 10 years. If he did develop feel? Salaun is not shy to take jump shots and is very similar to the two players I mentioned. Their offensive bag is not all that complex either so Salaun doesn’t have a tall mountain to climb. I think these are good comps for him.
https://www.prospectiveinsight.com/post/tidjane-salaun

Pro Insight: Tidjane, tell us a bit more about your basketball career thus far — when and where did you start to play?
Tidjane Salaun: I started to first play organized basketball when I was seven years old in some small local teams in the Paris suburbs where I was born. Then I played five years at Charenton where I was fortunate enough to be part of a group of some very talented players that included (future NBA prospects) Pacome Dadiet and Mohamed Diawara. In 2021 I moved to Cholet where I am currently playing.
I remember reading he was following in his older sister's footsteps, and he's known Wemby for a long time because both their sisters played together. Also he's played for INSEP and Cholet, 2 highly reputable basketball programs in France. This isn't Siakam who didn't pick up a basketball until he was 16, so I'm not buying the progress. As for the comparisons, maybe he could have a Jerami Grant developmental curve, but that's a guy taken in the 2nd round and I wouldn't say that's "high upside". Doesn't really pass the eye test for me, but we'll see.

[spurraider21]

I'm increasingly of the belief that, unless by some miracle Risacher drops to #4, our first round draft haul will be Castle and Salaun.
I’ll pre order my Wemby lakers jersey

[Mr. Body]

Can confirm. Part of the narrative on Salaun is that he's supposedly only started playing basketball in the last couple of years. What they mean, honestly or dishonestly, is that he's only been playing professionally that long. He's been around basketball for a long time and played for a long time. It's not a new sport to him.

[Pauleta14]

The kid is still only 18 years old ffs Put some "" on "long time" at least :lol

+ 2 notorious institutions chose him. It must means something

Him and Dilli are my 2 "underdogs" that are slowly gaining ground on the favorites tbh

[AFBlue]

This would be a "trust the scouting" pick as a fan, because it's all projection.

[TD 21]

Sure, but you used the words “level of certainty”, and I think there are zero players with a level of certainty. If there were one, he would be the consensus #1.

Yeah, to be rotation players. Teams aren't looking for just that at or near the top of a draft though, which is why it's bereft of a true number one or top few pick.

[BatManu20]

This would be a "trust the scouting" pick as a fan, because it's all projection.

Primo was all projection too tbh.

[PhantomDashCam]

Primo was all projection too tbh.

And word is he projected…like a lot.

[sfernald]

Even when teams have all the best data on players, they still manage to screw up and draft a dud. It happens almost every draft. The spurs have drafted stretches and duds. I don't think we'll be in this position again, drafting two top 10 picks in one draft. Hopefully they don't reach or draft some guy out of left field. When they do , they won't have anything to show for all the tanking they've purposely done. Do us all a favor, draft a player with real talent not potential talent. In four years, you'll feel better about your choice.

I totally agree with what you’re saying. They could just totally fuck the pooch. It’s a bit of a lottery ticket. If they hit on one of these two picks they are probably average.

But what I’m more worried is that they draft this guy for Wemby to be his French pal, not necessary cause they think he is the best player. Than we are totally fucked, tiddy-fucked apparently.

[Dejounte]

Since the possibility of drafting this guy at 4 or 8 is heating up, been doing more and more research on him

I think above else the Spurs value work ethic and want someone to stay in the gym with Wemby. Stories came out all season that Wemby was the first player in the gym and the last player to leave. i think we have to admit that work ethic like that is rare, and maybe they see Salaun as being one of those guys who will truly put the work in. This is an example of information we’re not privy too, and maybe in the past decades they pinpointed work ethic as the one attribute that all former Spur greats had in common. As fans, we don’t know that and don’t put much stock in it because all players claim they have good work ethic in interviews.

I see rumors that the Pistons are looking at him with their 5th too

When everybody is considering him in the top 10, that’s no longer considered a reach tbh.

[onechance87]

from what im getting is,Salum is a low iq player.Do yall really want another player with no iq after
what we saw this season with this current roster.They better get it right this draft and stop playing
games with this roster we been building.Other then wemby,That last few years havent been impressive.
We got two lotterey picks,One of them for sure better be a damn good player.

[Dejounte]

from what im getting is,Salum is a low iq player.Do yall really want another player with no iq after
what we saw this season with this current roster.They better get it right this draft and stop playing
games with this roster we been building.Other then wemby,That last few years havent been impressive.
We got two lotterey picks,One of them for sure better be a damn good player.


https://youtu.be/kpGyquTjAWg?feature=shared

actually if you watch this, they show that he makes good reads on defense. The “low iq” has more to do with his decisions on offense, more specifically the shots he takes. They’re mostly out of rhythm, and not within the flow of the offense. But part of that maybe is his coach allowing him to feel out what he can and can’t do. There seems to be flashes of varied shot attempts that he will take in one game, and won’t try again in another. Like, he will try to break down a defender or post up and then not do the same move in another game. A lot of experimentation going on, usually a sign of a coach trusting his player because said coach sees the player putting the work in in practice.

[Dejounte]

Salaun has the same standing reach as Sarr. I think Salaun is what people envision what Sarr would be on the perimeter with his defense not realizing that Sarr’s not really suited to be defending perimeter full-time, which Salaun will have the lateral agility for. IMO, I think Salaun will provide true PF/C versatility, something the Spurs have been searching for for some time. His standing reach will help defend the paint without having to bite on shot attempts and he will stay on the ground with perimeter players. Sochan’s not quite as long, Barlow’s not quite as quick, Mamu’s deficient in both length and quickness. This is the versatile big the Spurs need on defense tbh.

[onechance87]

https://youtu.be/kpGyquTjAWg?feature=shared

actually if you watch this, they show that he makes good reads on defense. The “low iq” has more to do with his decisions on offense, more specifically the shots he takes. They’re mostly out of rhythm, and not within the flow of the offense. But part of that maybe is his coach allowing him to feel out what he can and can’t do. There seems to be flashes of varied shot attempts that he will take in one game, and won’t try again in another. Like, he will try to break down a defender or post up and then not do the same move in another game. A lot of experimentation going on, usually a sign of a coach trusting his player because said coach sees the player putting the work in in practice.

All im getting is hes a hard worker and hustles and gives it his all.His stats dont show that tho.For a big guy where are the rebounds and blocks?
Alot of players are gym rats and work hard.But if they got no talent or iq,Doesnt really mean nothing to help this team,Especially if there gonna need
3 to 4 years.

[Dejounte]

All im getting is hes a hard worker and hustles and gives it his all.His stats dont show that tho.For a big guy where are the rebounds and blocks?
Alot of players are gym rats and work hard.But if they got no talent or iq,Doesnt really mean nothing to help this team,Especially if there gonna need
3 to 4 years.

The “a lot of players are gym rats” comment is exactly what I mean when I say that fans put low stock into work ethic tbh. We think we know how much work players put in, but that’s BS. I don’t believe Salaun has absolutely no talent, I think that’s an extreme comment to say, and something that’s not really reflective of the current facts.

[onechance87]

The “a lot of players are gym rats” comment is exactly what I mean when I say that fans put low stock into work ethic tbh. We think we know how much work players put in, but that’s BS. I don’t believe Salaun has absolutely no talent, I think that’s an extreme comment to say, and something that’s not really reflective of the current facts.

His stats show otherwise.Hes not even close to averaging 1 block a game.For a defensive big guy at 6,10 with 7,3 wingspan.He should have
more rebounds as well just looking at his length and body.That just tell me he has no iq with his timing or no talent.

[Dejounte]

His stats show otherwise.Hes not even close to averaging 1 block a game.For a defensive big guy at 6,10 with 7,3 wingspan.He should have
more rebounds as well just looking at his length and body.That just tell me he has no iq with his timing or no talent.

Bro I don’t think this is gonna go anywhere if you think basketball and development are all about counting stats.

[rascal]

Salaun will be the Spurs pick at 8.

[Raven]

Salaun has the same standing reach as Sarr. I think Salaun is what people envision what Sarr would be on the perimeter with his defense not realizing that Sarr’s not really suited to be defending perimeter full-time, which Salaun will have the lateral agility for. IMO, I think Salaun will provide true PF/C versatility, something the Spurs have been searching for for some time. His standing reach will help defend the paint without having to bite on shot attempts and he will stay on the ground with perimeter players. Sochan’s not quite as long, Barlow’s not quite as quick, Mamu’s deficient in both length and quickness. This is the versatile big the Spurs need on defense tbh.

I'm not buying it tbh.

[onechance87]

Bro I don’t think this is gonna go anywhere if you think basketball and development are all about counting stats.

Bro the stats gotta mean something to you.Stats show hes bad at finishing at the rim,Bad at shooting,Bad at blocking
shots and protecting the rim.Bad at rebounding.The stats are flat out bad everywhere.Why would we draft him 8.
Only thing is a plus is his age and size.But with that logic we should try taking chomche at 8 as well.Young and good body size.
But we wont cause we know hes a project,But its the same with salum as well

[Ariel]

The rationalization that's going on is astounding. If you want someone to keep Wemby company, just take his 2 best friends and put them on the payroll at 3x what they make right now. Using a top 10 pick for that is an admision of incompetence beyond belief. I'm not a fan of using 4+8 to move up, but if this is the use they have planned for no. 8, just send them to Washington for 2+26 and pick Risacher + Tyler Smith... maybe add a couple 2nd rounders and have them include Kispert as well, or alternatively have them take Collins. Give Wemby a French pal who can actually play and is a good fit, alongside another serviceable shooter who'll make his life easier on the court. Draft Dadiet or Ajinca, or better yet, both. Much more effective way to keep him happy.

[Splits]

https://i.ibb.co/RP3sVB6/image.png

anyone who says "yes please, moar please" to this bust as a top-10 pick is borderline clinical

[Pauleta14]

His stats show otherwise.Hes not even close to averaging 1 block a game.For a defensive big guy at 6,10 with 7,3 wingspan.He should have
more rebounds as well just looking at his length and body.That just tell me he has no iq with his timing or no talent.

He's EIGHTEEN years old discovering the pro world. Context matters.

You can't look at his stats the same way than you'd do for an established playe or a college player playing vs guys of his age and systems he's be trained for as a center piece of the team.

And I'm with Dejounte on the importance of work ethic and character. It's absurdly underrated and one of the main factor in a player's career.

It's rare to see that kind of determination and work ethic in such a young man and he's already shown the effect the last few years. Why would that stop and imagine where he can end up with his characteristics and the Spurs environement/Pop's coaching?

[jjspur]

I can see the front office telling Wemby "We aren't going to draft Salaun at 4, that's a really really important pick, but if he's available at 8 we might take a chance on a very young, somewhat inexperienced prospect who still has an awful lot to learn. This is the NBA, not Europe. Players that are too old, too slow or just don't have enough talent to make the NBA go to Europe. Players here are bigger, faster, and lots more experienced - even on bad teams. Understand that we need real talent, not potential talent, and we are taking a big big risk here. There are other players just as good if not possibly better. at pick 8. If selected, we will probably keep your pal in Austin for a year or two, to learn our system, but if he doesn't show real progress like a #8 pick should, we'll let him go like a bad habit. We sure hope he pans out buddy."

In this weak draft, the above could be applied to any number of players, so like I've said before, Spurs, do your homework.

[AFBlue]

Can't ignore the Wemby agent and the French connection, but I'm having trouble seeing a scenario where the player at Pick #4 is "sure bet" enough to get an upside swing of this magnitude at #8.

I wonder if the Spurs consider trading into the late lottery or mid-first for a third pick if Salaun slides. While that would make the roster tight, it feels like a Spurs "zig when everyone zags" type move with respect to this draft. Also wonder if Salaun would be open to stashing in France for a season to alleviate the roster crunch concern.

[spurraider21]

Primo was all projection too tbh.
he definitely wasn't a show-er

[spurraider21]

actually if you watch this, they show that he makes good reads on defense. The “low iq” has more to do with his decisions on offense, more specifically the shots he takes. They’re mostly out of rhythm, and not within the flow of the offense. But part of that maybe is his coach allowing him to feel out what he can and can’t do. There seems to be flashes of varied shot attempts that he will take in one game, and won’t try again in another. Like, he will try to break down a defender or post up and then not do the same move in another game. A lot of experimentation going on, usually a sign of a coach trusting his player because said coach sees the player putting the work in in practice.


Salaun has the same standing reach as Sarr. I think Salaun is what people envision what Sarr would be on the perimeter with his defense not realizing that Sarr’s not really suited to be defending perimeter full-time, which Salaun will have the lateral agility for. IMO, I think Salaun will provide true PF/C versatility, something the Spurs have been searching for for some time. His standing reach will help defend the paint without having to bite on shot attempts and he will stay on the ground with perimeter players. Sochan’s not quite as long, Barlow’s not quite as quick, Mamu’s deficient in both length and quickness. This is the versatile big the Spurs need on defense tbh.
guy with PF/C versatility who makes good defensive reads with the same standing reach as Sarr and will help defend the paint has blocked 8 shots in 750 minutes of play this year

[Dejounte]

guy with PF/C versatility who makes good defensive reads with the same standing reach as Sarr and will help defend the paint has blocked 8 shots in 750 minutes of play this year

Blocks are not an indicator of how well they’re defending as a big in this day and age. I shared a list before that the list of players leading the league in blocks are mostly strict Centers, not PF/C’s.

[LeBowen]

Blocks are not an indicator of how well they’re defending as a big in this day and age. I shared a list before that the list of players leading the league in blocks are mostly strict Centers, not PF/C’s.

Even for centers it can be deceiving.
Hint: Hassan Whiteside. Atrocious defender.

[spurraider21]

Blocks are not an indicator of how well they’re defending as a big in this day and age. I shared a list before that the list of players leading the league in blocks are mostly strict Centers, not PF/C’s.
i didnt say he needs to be a league leader, but 8 blocks in 750 minutes is somewhere between malaki branham and jeremy sochan

he has the physical tools to do more than that, but he doesnt, which means he isnt somebody who positions well, times well, rotates well, etc. he cant be all those things and have zero production to show for it. and thats fine, the guy is very young. but gotta stop pretending he's already good at the mental side of the game when he isnt close

[Mr. Body]

Trae Young had 11 blocks in 54 games this year.

[Dejounte]

i didnt say he needs to be a league leader, but 8 blocks in 750 minutes is somewhere between malaki branham and jeremy sochan

he has the physical tools to do more than that, but he doesnt, which means he isnt somebody who positions well, times well, rotates well, etc. he cant be all those things and have zero production to show for it. and thats fine, the guy is very young. but gotta stop pretending he's already good at the mental side of the game when he isnt close

-somebody who doesnt position well
-doesnt time well
-doesnt rotate well
-etc
…all can’t be boiled to a single number. That’s overly simplified and preposterous tbh

maybe the emphasis on league leader is misplaced, what I meant was I sorted the blocks column by most to least and majority of the top half of the list are centers. That’s the takeaway, not that Salaun has to lead the league in blocks.

[spurraider21]

-somebody who doesnt position well
-doesnt time well
-doesnt rotate well
-etc
…all can’t be boiled to a single number. That’s overly simplified and preposterous tbh

maybe the emphasis on league leader is misplaced, what I meant was I sorted the blocks column by most to least and majority of the top half of the list are centers. That’s the takeaway, not that Salaun has to lead the league in blocks.
i didnt say all those things can be boiled down to a single number. tiago did those things well and was never a high end shotblocker. but 8 is such a low, outlier figure... if he's as good as all those things as you claim he is, with his frame/wingspan, he'd have more of them

[BatManu20]

Itshappening.gif

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[SpursFan86]

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1802793475777437735

Based on Timvp’s latest post…If we go Williams/Salaun in this draft I might throw up :lol

[Mr. Body]

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1802793475777437735

Not when Portland drafts him first

[BatManu20]

Based on Timvp’s latest post…If we go Williams/Salaun in this draft I might throw up :lol

That'd prob be worst case scenario tbh :lol

[RC_Drunkford]

I don‘t think it‘s a bad idea to draft a kid with superior work ethic that plays professional ball in France at #8 in a draft where every prospect has defficiencies in their game. It‘s a swing for the fences type of pick. I‘m not as low on this kid as other people here, but I‘d rather trade the pick

[LeBowen]

I don‘t think it‘s a bad idea to draft a kid with superior work ethic that plays professional ball in France at #8 in a draft where every prospect has defficiencies in their game. It‘s a swing for the fences type of pick. I‘m not as low on this kid as other people here, but I‘d rather trade the pick

If we look at all the wing prospects, it's pretty obvious why they rate Salaun.
He's got the most size and is a true power forward who could even spend some minutes at C in certain small lineups against benches when Wemby sits.
He's actually a shooter. In 36 games this season, he had 137 2pt attempts and 157 3pt attempts. 32% from 3pt is far from impressive, but sometimes shooter's mentality is more important than percentage.
If we exclude Risacher who probably won't be available, he's the only shooter of the bunch.
Size and shooting combination with supposed high work ethic is enough for him to be rated higher than others. And it's not like Holland or Buzelis compensate for that lack of shooting with amazing handle or playmaking.

This season's shot chart:

https://i.imgur.com/wNJLgfF.png

It's obvious from any of his videos he's got no inbetween game and that top of the key is his favorite spot.
Mid-range attempts on the left side are irrelevant, it's 2-4 and 2-5, respectively.

Idk, too hard to evaluate his ceiling, we can just hope PATFO makes the right choice.
I'd personally pass on all of these wings except Risacher if he's available.
Would rather gamble on Dillingham's ability to bulk up than on any of these forwards with so many fundamental flaws.
Or just get Carter who seems to be the most NBA-ready player right now with solid upside.

[onechance87]

If we look at all the wing prospects, it's pretty obvious why they rate Salaun.
He's got the most size and is a true power forward who could even spend some minutes at C in certain small lineups against benches when Wemby sits.
He's actually a shooter. In 36 games this season, he had 137 2pt attempts and 157 3pt attempts. 32% from 3pt is far from impressive, but sometimes shooter's mentality is more important than percentage.
If we exclude Risacher who probably won't be available, he's the only shooter of the bunch.
Size and shooting combination with supposed high work ethic is enough for him to be rated higher than others. And it's not like Holland or Buzelis compensate for that lack of shooting with amazing handle or playmaking.

This season's shot chart:

https://i.imgur.com/wNJLgfF.png

It's obvious from any of his videos he's got no inbetween game and that top of the key is his favorite spot.
Mid-range attempts on the left side are irrelevant, it's 2-4 and 2-5, respectively.

Idk, too hard to evaluate his ceiling, we can just hope PATFO makes the right choice.
I'd personally pass on all of these wings except Risacher if he's available.
Would rather gamble on Dillingham's ability to bulk up than on any of these forwards with so many fundamental flaws.
Or just get Carter who seems to be the most NBA-ready player right now with solid upside.

salaun has terrible foot work,Has no basketbal iq,Not really good at anything.We already got players like that,We dont need
more to this roster.

[LeBowen]

salaun has terrible foot work,Has no basketbal iq,Not really good at anything.We already got players like that,We dont need
more to this roster.

Holland has no offensive game whatsoever. Shot, handles, finishing when contested around the rim, decision making...he's got nothing.
Buzelis has shown flashes of everything, but has nothing.
Williams is severely underweight and has shown some flashes, but again, has nothing he's really good at.

That's why I wrote I'd rather get Dillingham or Carter with #8.
The only way I'd pick a wing is if it's Sheppard at #4.

[onechance87]

Holland has no offensive game whatsoever. Shot, handles, finishing when contested around the rim, decision making...he's got nothing.
Buzelis has shown flashes of everything, but has nothing.
Williams is severely underweight and has shown some flashes, but again, has nothing he's really good at.

That's why I wrote I'd rather get Dillingham or Carter with #8.
The only way I'd pick a wing is if it's Sheppard at #4.

I think i want carter to.Good rebounder,Good defender,Got that dog in him.If his shot is real,He can be our next derrick white
that fits next wemby nicely.

[ambchang]

I like Salaun quite a bit, even though I realize he’s now more of an athlete than a basketball player. He’s likely 2 or 3 years away from bring in the rotation, let along contribute. He could end up like a Stromile swift or Yinka Dare with work ethic, all athlete but no brains, but the upside is mighty tempting.

If we can get sheppard at 4, who should be able to contribute quite immediately, the 8 pick could be used for a project. Otherwise if we we get castle at 4, we should go for someone who can contribute earlier.

[scottspurs]

Salaun apparently sprained his ankle working out for the spurs in San Antonio according to ESPN. Interesting timing to no longer be able to workout for other teams. Maybe he really did sprain his ankle. Or maybe he got a promise from the Spurs. He also worked out with Portland, Sacramento and OKC, but will no longer be able to workout for Charlotte or Detroit. Very interesting

[Dejounte]

Salaun apparently sprained his ankle working out for the spurs in San Antonio according to ESPN. Interesting timing to no longer be able to workout for other teams. Maybe he really did sprain his ankle. Or maybe he got a promise from the Spurs. He also worked out with Portland, Sacramento and OKC, but will no longer be able to workout for Charlotte or Detroit. Very interesting

Bro just post the whole article. You sprinkling in all these nice tidbits in different threads lol

[kobyz]

I don‘t think it‘s a bad idea to draft a kid with superior work ethic that plays professional ball in France at #8 in a draft where every prospect has defficiencies in their game. It‘s a swing for the fences type of pick. I‘m not as low on this kid as other people here, but I‘d rather trade the pick

With Wemby on the team i don't think we need to go for swing for the fances type picks, we have the luxury to go for safe picks just to surround Wemby with solid two way players that fit him...

[scottspurs]

Bro just post the whole article. You sprinkling in all these nice tidbits in different threads lol
Haha it’s a very long article

[Bartleby]

With Wemby on the team i don't think we need to go for swing for the fances type picks, we have the luxury to go for safe picks just to surround Wemby with solid two way players that fit him...

That's the beauty of having two FRPs in the top ten: the Spurs can hedge their bets by going with a safe pick and a project.

[rankingtear]

OKC would pick this guy and he be their starting PF for years. Book it.

[Ariel]

Salaun apparently sprained his ankle working out for the spurs in San Antonio according to ESPN. Interesting timing to no longer be able to workout for other teams. Maybe he really did sprain his ankle. Or maybe he got a promise from the Spurs. He also worked out with Portland, Sacramento and OKC, but will no longer be able to workout for Charlotte or Detroit. Very interesting
It's a done deal. Fuck:pctoss

[SpursFan86]

Yeah no offense but I really hope he actually sprained his ankle and this isn’t a smokescreen because the Spurs gave him a promise :lol Although I guess if they gave him a promise it’d at least mean he crushed the workout.

Only way I’d be fine with Salaun at 8 is if we managed to get Sheppard at 4. Still would be plenty of preferred options but could live with it at least.

[Pauleta14]

Here's the ESPN updated mock draft...

https://www.espn.co.uk/nba/insider/story/_/page/NBADraft24-40343667/2024-nba-mock-draft-all-58-picks-trade-talks-heat-30-teams

They have us taking Castle at 4 and Dilli at 8

[Seventyniner]

Haha it’s a very long article

If we had something better to do with our time would we be posting here?

[Mr. Body]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzjsLUJvt24&t=619s

Floor and Ceiling is good draft content. He is thorough and his analysis is solid. His vid on Risacher did a good job identifying the problems a while back. You had to read between the lines of what he was saying, as Risacher was still considered this can't-miss great prospect at the time.

This one on Salaun says exactly why he's a disaster of a top 10 pick. Just a section on Finishing Improvements at 7:25 or Defense at 12:45. "His defense remains entirely theoretical."

It's astounding this guy is being considered top half of the lottery. I wouldn't pick him in the top 20.

[SpursDynasty85]

That's the beauty of having two FRPs in the top ten: the Spurs can hedge their bets by going with a safe pick and a project.

Yep, but that brings up Luka Samanic memories. Luckily our picks are much higher this year.

[BackHome]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzjsLUJvt24&t=619s

Floor and Ceiling is good draft content. He is thorough and his analysis is solid. His vid on Risacher did a good job identifying the problems a while back. You had to read between the lines of what he was saying, as Risacher was still considered this can't-miss great prospect at the time.

This one on Salaun says exactly why he's a disaster of a top 10 pick. Just a section on Finishing Improvements at 7:25 or Defense at 12:45. "His defense remains entirely theoretical."

It's astounding this guy is being considered top half of the lottery. I wouldn't pick him in the top 20.

Yeah, it was a very well done video and I have to agree I am more high on Dadiet then I am on Salaun

[kobyz]

Do you see some Sean Elliott in Saluan?

[Mr. Body]

Do you see some Sean Elliott in Saluan?

They both know what a basketball is?

[4lifecowboy]

Who we take at 4 is going to tell everything. If Castle is the pick @ 4 I could see Salaun at 8. If we go wing @ 4 it is Devin Carter at 8.

[LeBowen]

Who we take at 4 is going to tell everything. If Castle is the pick @ 4 I could see Salaun at 8. If we go wing @ 4 it is Devin Carter at 8.

Not necessarily.
Keldon isn't in long-term plans, even if he stays this year.
Champagnie is a cheap filler.
Jeremy is the only wing that could become a core roster member, but he can't shoot.

Even if we don't trade Keldon, we need two rotation wings for this season.

The only combination I'd exclude is Sheppard+Dillingham.

[The Truth #6]

Sounds like a hustle spazz type player, a French Tyler Hansbrough, if you will.

[mo7888]

Do you see some Sean Elliott in Saluan?

Both are hard workers.... that's about it really

[Pauleta14]

https://x.com/SpursReporter/status/1803842373149167674

[Mr. Body]

https://x.com/SpursReporter/status/1803842373149167674

I think they meant Pacome Dadiet and the 35th pick.

[Ariel]

https://x.com/SpursReporter/status/1803842373149167674
Coming from the say guy who gave us gems like these:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z31Mp5nq61c
Why Killian Hayes Is the 2020 NBA Draft’s Top Prospect (https://www.theringer.com/2020/4/15/21220970/nba-draft-killian-hayes-2020-top-prospect)

[AFBlue]

Don Harris tweet says he's rising along with JaKobe Walter after great shooting workouts

[spursince#99]

Boy this would be a massive failure. I sincerely pray the Spurs don’t screw up and draft this kid. Holy mother of God.

[Mr. Body]

Don Harris tweet says he's rising along with JaKobe Walter after great shooting workouts

The one thing he can do is kind of shoot. The rest of his game is completely awful.

[AFBlue]

Boy this would be a massive failure. I sincerely pray the Spurs don’t screw up and draft this kid. Holy mother of God.

Risacher has yet to work out, and there's tape to back up the shooting in actual games. Salaun will find his level I think. Somewhere in late lottery.

[Dejounte]

https://x.com/spursreporter/status/1804128312207262037?s=46

Tidjane says his future self will be in the All Time French starters lineup

Love this kid’s confidence. Really want him to prove the doubters wrong if he’s drafted by us (more and more I think so)

[offset formation]

I don‘t think it‘s a bad idea to draft a kid with superior work ethic that plays professional ball in France at #8 in a draft where every prospect has defficiencies in their game. It‘s a swing for the fences type of pick. I‘m not as low on this kid as other people here, but I‘d rather trade the pick

Agree. I like his upside.

I'd be perfectly happy with Buzelis and Salaun.

[spurraider21]

Spurs broke him during their workout :lmao

[SpursFan86]

Spurs broke him during their workout :lmao

Just really hoping he actually sprained his ankle (no offense) and isn’t canceling other workouts because he’s confident he’s going to SA lol

[Mr. Body]

Just really hoping he actually sprained his ankle (no offense) and isn’t canceling other workouts because he’s confident he’s going to SA lol

God, I hope not.

[BatManu20]

Yea first thing that came to mind when I saw this was “God I hope he’s not canceling his workouts cause he has a promise from SA at 8.” :lol

1804479962734612525

[LeBowen]

Yea first thing that came to mind when I saw this was “God I hope he’s not canceling his workouts cause he has a promise from SA at 8.” :lol

They injured him on purpose so everyone thinks he's faking it and has a promise from the Spurs.
Someone will be naive enough to pick him in #5-7 range and Spurs will get the player they actually prefer.

CIA Pop at it again.

[Mr. Body]

"Sorry, we're going to have to snap your ankle, son. Come here."

[Ariel]

They injured him on purpose so everyone thinks he's faking it and has a promise from the Spurs.
Someone will be naive enough to pick him in #5-7 range and Spurs will get the player they actually prefer.

CIA Pop at it again.
We can only hope.

[Bruno]

That ankle injury looks suspicious especially when you consider that Salaün's agent is the same as Wembanyama and the same as Batum...

I'm not a fan of Salaün. He has a poor feel for the game which is a red flag for me. Saying that, you have to be nuanced when judging prospects: Salaün has some huge qualities and calling him directly a bust is just plain stupid.

What we are most of the time projecting is Spurs drafting a SF and a PG with #4 and #8 but it might not be Spurs plan. Spurs might want to trade for a PG, draft a SF at #4 (Risacher) and Salaün, who is mostly a PF, at #8.

[AFBlue]

Salaun at 8 is a virtual lock if either Sheppard or Castle are the pick at 4.

[DPG21920]

That ankle injury looks suspicious especially when you consider that Salaün's agent is the same as Wembanyama and the same as Batum...

I'm not a fan of Salaün. He has a poor feel for the game which is a red flag for me. Saying that, you have to be nuanced when judging prospects: Salaün has some huge qualities and calling him directly a bust is just plain stupid.

What we are most of the time projecting is Spurs drafting a SF and a PG with #4 and #8 but it might not be Spurs plan. Spurs might want to trade for a PG, draft a SF at #4 (Risacher) and Salaün, who is mostly a PF, at #8.

Exactly. Spurs should just draft best players they can. Whether that is Guard, Guard, or Guard, Forward or Forward, Forward etc….all those combos make sense and then you approach FA/Trades to fill in your needs based on your draft.

[Mr. Body]

That ankle injury looks suspicious especially when you consider that Salaün's agent is the same as Wembanyama and the same as Batum...

I'm not a fan of Salaün. He has a poor feel for the game which is a red flag for me. Saying that, you have to be nuanced when judging prospects: Salaün has some huge qualities and calling him directly a bust is just plain stupid.

What we are most of the time projecting is Spurs drafting a SF and a PG with #4 and #8 but it might not be Spurs plan. Spurs might want to trade for a PG, draft a SF at #4 (Risacher) and Salaün, who is mostly a PF, at #8.

I dunno, man. Not being able to play basketball is a huge red flag to me.

[mo7888]

I'm not nearly as down on Salaun as many here. I think the upside is intriguing. I've got him #8 on my board, but there are a couple guys behind him (on my board) I expect to go higher, so in that scenario he wouldn't be my choice unless we traded back from 8. I just think our timeline isn't as far in the future now and I'd prefer to select a guy who will play this year.

[BackHome]

Salaun to me is just a taller Cidy Cissoko

[spurraider21]

Salaun to me is just a taller Cidy Cissoko
not as skilled. better shooter tho

[baseline bum]

yeah but he doesnt protect the rim, and surely doesnt rebound like a center. you are looking at bonner with more pep in his step. a center who can shoot 3's by itself isnt really good enough anymore. olynyk without playmaking chops doesnt seem exciting at all

people keep talking about some star potential and i really dont see it. right now he is a developmental project that you hope can become a role player some day. thats not remotely good enough to be taken #8 even in a weak draft.

like, i couldnt fathom taking him over Clingan, even for the spurs

If I wanted a shotblocker Sheppard would be a much better option than Salaun lol

[ace3g]

The ankle news almost guarantees the Blazers will pick him ahead of the Spurs.