Tidjane Salaün's goals for the season

Tidjane Salaün, a 21-year-old French center playing for the Charlotte Hornets, has set clear goals for his third NBA season. He aims to establish himself as the backup center for power forward Naz Reid and to draw inspiration from his sister, Janelle, who recently won her first WNBA title.

Salaün on his confidence and role

Salaün expressed his confidence in his abilities and emphasized that gaining the full trust of the coach is a long-term process. He feels good on the court and aims to continue performing well, despite the Hornets' recent loss to the Washington Wizards.

Salaün's performance and aspirations

Currently averaging 5.4 points and 3.4 rebounds per game, Salaün wants to secure a permanent spot in the Hornets' rotation. After two seasons split between the NBA and the G-League, he is determined to prove himself as the replacement for Naz Reid and to contribute defensively.

Hornets' new direction

The Hornets have started a new era by trading their star player LaMelo Ball to Minnesota. Salaün believes this move is paying off, with the team showing progress despite injuries to key players. He acknowledges the need to build chemistry and trust among the young roster.

Salaün's role and defensive focus

Salaün described his role as a facilitator who brings energy, pace, and defensive intensity. He emphasized the importance of defense, noting that the team aims to keep opponents under 100 points. He has worked hard on his physical conditioning to meet these expectations.

Inspiration from his sister

Tidjane Salaün is inspired by his sister, Janelle, who won the WNBA title with the Golden State Valkyries. He praised her determination and mental strength, expressing pride in her achievement as the first French person to win an individual WNBA title.

Victor Wembanyama's performance

Victor Wembanyama, the French NBA player, dominated Minnesota with 43 points, leading the Spurs to their fourth consecutive victory. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Sixers secured a narrow win without LeBron James.

French figure skater wins gold

French figure skater Kevin Aymoz won the gold medal at Skate Canada, securing his second Grand Prix title. He outperformed Japanese skater Rio Nakata in the competition.

Formula 1 and tennis updates

Lewis Hamilton will start from pole position at the Mexican Grand Prix after setting the fastest time in qualifying. In tennis, Carlos Alcaraz qualified for the ATP 500 final in Vienna, where he will face Alex De Minaur.

Sports and incidents in France

In rugby, Bordeaux-Bègles won against Bayonne despite injuries. Four people were found in the rubble of a building destroyed by a suspected criminal fire in Clermont-Ferrand. The Dakar 2026 Youth Games opened in Senegal, marking a historic moment for Africa.