Charlotte Hornets rookies Tidjane Salaün and KJ Simpson threw out the ceremonial first pitch for the Charlotte Knights, the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox.
Salaün and Simpson were on hand to watch the Knights host the Toledo Mud Hens at Truist Field on Thursday as part of their six-game homestand. They took the mound donning custom-made Knights jerseys, and both delivered their pitches.
With the two draftees in attendance, the Knights took down the Mud Hens 3-2 in the 10th inning on a walk-off single by Bryan Ramos. The Knights have taken two out of their first three games against the Mud Hens and improved to 53-61 on the season.
Light work for the duo 🤷♂️ pic.twitter.com/B6lK6VhMc1
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) August 16, 2024
Salaün debuted with the Hornets in the NBA Summer League, averaging nine points and seven rebounds on 42.3% shooting from the field in three appearances. The sixth pick produced his best game on July 16 with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Simpson, the 42nd pick, was ruled out of playing with the Hornets in summer league after suffering a hamstring injury during the predraft process. He is expected to be fully recovered and available for the start of training camp in October.
Salaün and Simpson join a roster headlined by LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, Grant Williams, Brandon Miller and Mark Williams, among others. The team will be guided by first-year head coach Charles Lee.
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