With key players out, Da Silva elevates his game, transforming into a perimeter threat and crucial defensive presence for the surging Magic.
The Orlando Magic have leaned heavily on improved bench production to stay afloat early in the season, especially with Paolo Banchero sidelined. A major part of that surge is Tristan da Silva, who has taken a notable step forward and built meaningfully on an already solid rookie year.
Averaging 11.6 points and shooting 40.2 percent from three-point range, da Silva has become a key piece for a Magic team that struggles on the perimeter. His physical defense has added to that impact, making him a steady placeholder until Banchero returns to the starting lineup.
CBS Sports recently graded the 2024 draft classes, and da Silva earned a strong mark at an A-thanks to his increased usage with the Magic, making a nearly five-point scoring leap from last season.
“This has been a frustrating season in Orlando,” the article wrote. “But da Silva has been a bright spot. He's slid into the starting lineup in the last two games while Paolo Banchero has been sidelined and has not looked out of place. And while it's still early, it appears he's made real strides as a shooter, which is great news for a Magic team that needs all the help it can get in that department. He's shooting 40.6% from 3-point range on just under five attempts per game and leads the Magic in 3-pointers made (28).”
Da Silva said catch-and-shoot reps were a major focus in his development after the Magic’s 105–98 win over the Brooklyn Nets, and he plans to keep expanding his offensive playmaking throughout the season.
“That’s part of the game I’m also working on that I’m trying to expand,” da Silva said. “I’ve shown a lot of my catch-and-shoot capabilities, but off the dribble is something that’s going to help this team even more – being able to create for myself and for others. I’m going to keep working on that. I feel like that’s going to develop over the next couple of months and years.”
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