Orlando, FL — The Orlando Magic Draft Tristan Da Silva in 2024
The Orlando Magic went into the 2024 NBA Draft without a lottery pick for the first time in four years, marking their latest first-round selection since drafting Andrew Nicholson at 19th overall in 2012.
Jeff Weltman and the entire Magic front office have excelled over the past few years in identifying talent and drafting players who fit their core. Weltman is not only looking to bring in “high character kids” but also players who add shooting, skill, IQ, and positional size. The Magic found value again at 18th overall with Tristan Da Silva from the University of Colorado.
Jeff Weltman on Da Silva’s Selection
“To check all four of those boxes with the 18th pick is a good day’s work for us,” Weltman said about drafting Da Silva. “Tristan is a very unique player, he’s exceptionally skilled, and he’s one of the highest IQ players in this draft.”
Da Silva, standing approximately 6-foot-9 with a nearly 7-foot wingspan, fits the mold and character that Jeff Weltman and Jamahl Mosley desire for the team. At 23 years old, he brings plenty of experience from four years of collegiate basketball, leading the Buffaloes to the NCAA Tournament and earning Second Team All-Pac-12 honors.
Da Silva’s Journey to the University of Colorado
Da Silva didn’t have the easiest path to Colorado. As a Brazilian-German born in Munich, getting scouted and recruited to play collegiate basketball overseas was challenging. Head coach Tad Boyle coached his older brother, Oscar, and was impressed by Tristan’s frame and potential, offering him a scholarship despite limited opportunities to see him play.
Progression Throughout College
Da Silva appeared in 24 games during his freshman year, but his role expanded significantly over the next three seasons. He started in 98 of 100 games and developed into a first-round talent by his senior year.
In the 2023-24 season, Da Silva posted career highs across the board: 16.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 49.3% from the field and 39.5% from three-point range.
Da Silva’s Big Moments in 2023-24
Down the final stretch of the season, Da Silva hit his stride, averaging 17 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2 assists over the last 15 games. Da Silva’s performance against the Florida Gators in the first round of March Madness gained national attention as he helped lead the Buffaloes to a thrilling 102-100 victory with 17 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds.
Skills and Versatility
Da Silva showed flashes of being a versatile wing who can defend multiple positions, attack the basket, play unselfishly within a system, and help space the floor.
A German Connection in Orlando
With a strong German presence already on the Magic roster in Franz Wagner and Mo Wagner, Da Silva will have familiar faces to ease his transition to the NBA. The Wagners represented Germany last summer, helping lead the country to win the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2023.
Tristan on Joining the Magic’s German Duo
When asked about the connection with the Wagner brothers, Da Silva said, “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.”
Da Silva’s Role in the Magic’s Future
With versatile wings being crucial in today’s NBA, especially in the Eastern Conference, Da Silva will be an important developmental piece alongside talented forwards like Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and the recently extended Jonathan Isaac. Widely regarded as one of the highest IQ players and best cutters in this draft class, Tristan Da Silva should fit seamlessly into the Magic’s culture on and off the court.
[…] half on a 14-6 run led by Jared McCain who scored 15 points in the third quarter alone. After a Tristan da Silva two-handed slam in transition and Franz Wagner three, Orlando would go on a 13-3 run in the final […]
[…] the team to victory with 16 points, 6 rebounds, and as always, providing that energy off the bench. Rookie Tristan da Silva also had a solid performance, logging just under 32 minutes and contributing 11 points, 4 rebounds, […]
[…] 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 […]