The Orlando Magic share many resemblances to the newly reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder. A young competitive core with loads of talent, promising stars, excellent team defense, and a well-respected head coach. The organization believes its championship window is beginning to open. They went all-in with the blockbuster trade for Desmond Bane and view him as the missing piece.
The Magic has tremendous young talent that they expect to take another leap for the upcoming season, in particular, Tristan Da Silva. He was the 18th pick in last year's draft and emerged as an immediate-impactful rookie. Da Silva averaged 7.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, and shot 41.2 percent from the field, 33.5 percent from three-point range in 74 appearances. He was one of seven Magic players to shoot above 32 percent from behind the arc and one of four to appear in over 70 games.
The stats are not flashy, but Da Silva proved to be a great two-way forward with tons of potential. In the playoffs against the Boston Celtics, he was virtually non-existent, but the main reason is Jamahl Mosley leaning towards experience.
After the Magic's early playoff exit, Da Silva, alongside Franz Wagner, went on an overseas quest to play for Team Germany for the EuroBasket tournament. It was his first stint in international competition and didn't shy away from the challenge.
As Germany went all the way to claim gold, Da Silva was a factor in their success. He averaged 10.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and shot 55.7 percent from the field, 52.9 percent from three-point range in nine games. Da Silva finished with the third-best percentage shooting from outside the arc.
Germany went undefeated, 9-0, on their route to claim the title.
The performances raise the expectation for Da Silva in Orlando. The team struggled to shoot from three-point range, but if the 24-year-old German forward continues to produce, along with the addition of Bane, an improvement in that department is expected.
The phrase "sophomore slump" is popular in all sports, especially when rookies have shown to be very productive and promising. Da Silva can break through the curse because of EuroBasket. International competition can be tougher compared to the NBA. Da Silva showed no issue in finding a rhythm and leaving an impact on the game.
Da Silva scored in double-figures in five out of Germany's last six games. He recorded 25 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two blocks against Great Britain.
In the EuroBasket Finals against Turkey, Da Silva finished with 13 points, four rebounds, and three three-pointers made.
In a recent episode of the "All NBA Podcast," analyst Tim Legler was left "impressed" by Da Silva's defense.
"He jumped off the page at me," he said.
Da Silva will be a crucial piece for the Magic's bench and could emerge as a Sixth Man of the Year candidate if he stays on this trajectory.