Orlando, FL — The Orlando Magic have selected Forward from the University of Colorado Tristan Da Silva with the 18th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Da Silva came into the draft as one of the oldest players at 23 years of age after spending four seasons with the Buffaloes, and will now come in as a very experienced rookie. Tristan Da Silva measured at the combine standing 6 ‘8 1⁄4 and with a 6’ 10 1⁄4 wingspan.
In the final year of his collegiate career in 2023-24, Da Silva appeared in 34 games and averaged a career-high in points (16.0), rebounds (5.1), and assists (2.4). Da Silva shot 49.3% from the floor on 11.8 attempts per game, and 39.5% from behind the arch. Da Silva’s skill set, experience, and versatility will help provide a big boost to this Orlando squad.
“We set out with our goal entering this draft to add shooting, skill, IQ, and positional size,” Jeff Weltman’s opening statement after drafting Tristan Da Silva. “To check all four of those boxes with the 18th pick is a good day’s work for us. Tristan is a very unique player, he’s exceptionally skilled, and he’s one of the highest IQ players I think in this draft.”
Jeff Weltman, Anthony Parker, and the entire Orlando Magic front office feel as if they’ve landed a diamond in the rough by selecting Tristan Da Silva. Orlando not only landed a very talented player who still has room for growth, but they also landed an incredible character both on and off the court.
“You guys know, we bring in people and players,” Jeff Weltman on Da Silva’s character. “He’s just a high character kid, who’s about the right stuff, he’s serious, he’s committed—This is one of the most selfless players you’ll ever find, and I think that’s who he’s gonna be for our team on and off the court.”
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that Tristan Da Silva is a born and raised Brazilian-German from Munich. With an already-established German duo of Franz Wagner and Mo Wagner both being high-impact players on the Magic, they can help Tristan Da Silva make the transition to Orlando feel a bit more like home.
I asked Tristan about the German connection and what he knew about both Franz and Mo Wagner and he stated:
“It’s funny because one of my good friends that I played with in Munich, is one of their best friends—It’s great to kinda join that group, makes it feel a little more homey, and I’ve already been in contact with both of them. So I’m super excited to get out there.”
The Orlando Magic will look to continue to add to this roster via the draft, Free Agency later this week, and potentially the trade market. Tonight was the first night of the 2024 NBA Draft and the Magic will have one pick in the second round at 47 overall beginning tomorrow evening.
