By Pierre-Andréa Fraile | Sports journalist
Following the fanfare arrival of Victor Wembanyama last year and his immense success this season on the NBA courts, the Spurs could be tempted to attract new French talent during the 2024 Draft. A US journalist, however, has them dissuaded.
Holders of the coveted 1st pick a year ago, they are now in possession of choices no. 4 and no. 8. The Spurs will therefore once again have the opportunity to emerge from the Draft stronger, having won the jackpot in 2023 with Victor Wembanyama. Several highly rated prospects logically seem to interest them a few days before the traditional ceremony, including new French gems.
Indeed, while Alexandre Sarr should be chosen as first choice, Zaccharie Risacher and Tidjane Salaün could prove accessible with the 4th and 8th. The last city would even have started agreed with San Antonio to do a private workout there, proof of the franchise’s interest in it. That said, his profile does not seem to be completely unanimous on the spot.
Spurs invited to snub Tidjane Salaün at the Draft
At only 18 years old, Salaün has demonstrated the full extent of his talent in recent months on the floors of Betclic ÉLITE. His recent success in the playoffs had the effect of to ignite American fans excited by his profile. In an article titled “2 Players the Spurs Should Avoid in the 2024 NBA Draft,” Hector Ledesma of ClutchPoints however, gave a very divergent opinion on the subject:
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Arguably no blue-chip prospect has been more associated with the word “raw” than Salaün. Relatedly, scouts also praise his potential.
If the nugget of Cholet could therefore ultimately become one of the best elements of this vintage, its current level would not correspond to the immediate needs of Black and Silver:
Unlike Wembanyama, Salaün will probably not be ready straight away. Truth be told, given his current play and how scouts describe him, it wouldn’t be surprising if San Antonio sent him to their G-League affiliate for a while. (…) In another context or another Draft, the Spurs could afford it. But this is not their current reality.
Wembanyama wants to find success without too much delay and some free agency targets seem interested in the idea of joining San Antonio. More importantly, Wemby is ready to win. From then on, the Spurs hope to get their hands on two prospects who are also.
To see if the Texan front office and the French U18 international will prove this speech false in the weeks and months to come.
For Hector Ledesma, the label of diamond to polish which sticks to the skin of Tidjane Salaün should encourage the Spurs not to select him during the Draft. It remains to be seen whether the franchise’s leaders have a similar opinion towards him.
2024-06-13 16:36:20
#Spurs #avoid #Frenchman #Draft
