Orlando, FL— The Magic formally introduced their first-round selection Tristan da Silva to the media at his press conference earlier this afternoon at the Advent Health Training Center.

Selected at 18 overall, Tristan da Silva was the only selection by the Magic in the 2024 NBA Draft. Orlando traded away their second-round selection with the New Orleans Pelicans acquiring the unprotected rights to swap their own 2030 second-round draft pick and their own 2031 second-round draft pick from New Orleans in exchange for the draft rights to Antonio Reeves (Kentucky, 47th overall in 2024).

From the moment Tristan da Silva and his family walked onto the court for his photoshoot and press conference, you could feel his glowing energy. Da Silva and both of his parents were very lively, thrilled to be in Orlando, and continued to reiterate how much support they’ve felt from the entire Orlando Magic staff and community so far.

“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.”

Jeff Weltman and Jamahl Mosley continued to harp on da Silva’s wonderful character, his personality, and truly the type of young man that he is. Weltman began by opening up the press conference by detailing how excited the team was to land a player like da Silva who “checks all the boxes” and is more importantly an incredible man.

“Not that it was hard to do. Everybody, everybody who Tristan has left in his path speaks glowingly of him,” Weltman during his opening statement. “And so we are thrilled to add Tristan to our team on the court, off the court, and in our community.”

After landing in Orlando yesterday afternoon and now trying to get settled into Orlando, da Silva was asked how chaotic the last 48 hours have been for him and he replied:

“Yea, obviously it’s been kinda crazy. You know, going through all of these different emotions, a lot of excitement, a lot of joy, a lot of happiness. Just being proud to do that with my family, with my friends, and yeah it feels good to finally get here.”

Later on, Tristan da Silva was asked about this accomplishment for both him and his family on making it to the NBA and he responded by saying:

“I mean, now the real work starts. I know that this was a big step and I know that. This seems like a huge accomplishment, but there’s a lot of work behind it, you know, day in [and] day out. A lot of dedication and a lot of love for the game, and I think that’s the thing that’ll carry me even further.”

The Magic feel as if they’ve landed a diamond in the rough with Tristan da Silva, and now the real work lies ahead.