Tristan Da Silva is the 17th pick selected by the Los Angeles Lakers! Yes, it’s true, but only in ESPN’s 2024 NBA Mock Draft. A couple of weeks ago, Da Silva was expected to fall late in the first round, but that is no longer the case. Undoubtedly, this season’s NBA draft is unpredictable, with teams stuck with older talents who have stayed with the same college for four years.

Tristan Da Silva is among them and is expected to hear his name in the first round of the NBA draft, thanks to his impressive stats, defending ability, and skill to guard multiple positions. Da Silva currently averages 15.5 points, 2.5 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game with an impressive shooting accuracy of 53% from the charity stripe for his team. Sounds fascinating, right? But these stats are just 1% of his potential.

A look into Da Silva’s on-court efforts

Just like many others, Da Silva will also be beginning his NBA journey with four years of experience at the University of Colorado. Born and brought up in Germany, the 23-year-old has a lot to bring to the NBA court. Notably, the 6’9″ Colorado senior boasts a blend of skills, length, and fluidity.

In a total of 34 games in his collegiate season, Da Silva averages 16.0 points, 2.4 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and an impressive 49.3% shooting accuracy from the floor. Additionally, he secured All-Pac-12 honors for the second time in his collegiate career, helping his team make its first NCAA appearance in the last three years.

Now that the NBA Draft is just four weeks away, the 6’8″ forward is obviously lifting weights in the gym. He is clearly ignoring the reports suggesting he isn’t as athletic as others in this season’s draft. Evidently, he doesn’t let outside noise bother him. “If you’ve seen me over these last four years, you have a good idea of the type of person and player I am,” Da Silva told ClutchPoints.

He added, “If NBA teams are still questioning whether I can bring anything to the table for them, then it’s a mistake on their part!” But it isn’t his stats or unwavering determination that makes him unique.

 Tristan Da Silva is an out-of-the-box talent

Unlike other NBA talents buried in video games, Da Silva has kept himself immersed in many cultures. Apart from basketball skills, Da Silva is also a musician. “I enjoy the little things in life, and I try to switch up my routines every now and then to stay refreshed… I’m always down for trying and learning about new things. I am a pretty curious person who loves to learn,” he further added.

As Da Silva openly says, he is a person “who loves to learn,” the NBA undoubtedly has much more in store for him. Moving on, it is no longer a doubt that he’ll be part of the league, but the question looms as to which team will select him. While the Lakers and 76ers are highly expected to pick him, the question is: Will Da Silva get the opportunity to sign a contract with the world’s most wins franchise as expected? Stay tuned to find out!