In true NBA style, Tristan da Silva knew how to make the most of his moment on the big stage of the draft. After NBA Commissioner Adam Silver put the cap of his new team, Orlando Magic, on his head, he opened the jacket of his red and black suit and proudly presented the lining – a tribute to his roots: on one side the national flag of Brazil, on the other the blue and white check pattern of Bavaria.
Da Silva was selected 18th from the best young players in the world. In Orlando, which is becoming more and more of a German NBA exclave, he will now meet the two world champion brothers Franz and Moritz Wagner. “It’s great to join this group, it feels more like home,” said da Silva. “I’ve already been in contact with both of them.” Franz reacted happily on Instagram: “Yesssirkiiii,” wrote the 22-year-old.
NBA: Tristan da Silva plays for Orlando Magic
However, da Silva does not need his brothers as interpreters. The 23-year-old speaks five languages. “He is one of the most intelligent players in this draft, perhaps even in recent years,” Magic President Jeff Weltman explained the decision to select the German.
Da Silva, brother of German national player Oscar da Silva (FC Barcelona), is one of the older players in the draft class. “Some experts say he will help immediately,” said Weltman, but there is “no pressure.”
In 2020, the versatile forward moved from MTV Schwabing to the US college Colorado Buffaloes and recently impressed the Magic scouts there with his “playing skills” and his “shooting quality” – especially from a distance.
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Now the next big step follows. The whole family, including brother Oscar, traveled with da Silva to Brooklyn to be there when his life’s dream came true – in traditional costume as befits his status. Even his Brazilian father Valdemar hugged his son in lederhosen. But da Silva himself apparently didn’t want to go quite that far (yet). (aw/sid)
2024-06-27 15:36:10
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