Da Silva was born and raised in Munich, Germany to a Brazilian father and a German mother.[1][2] In 2019, he played simultaneously with Schwabing, in Germany’s Regionalliga, and IBA München (International Basketball Academy, Munich), in the NBBL. In 12 games with IBA München, da Silva led the team in scoring at 16.9 points per game while shooting 53.2 percent.
Da Silva committed to playing college basketball in the United States for Colorado in the midst of COVID-19.[3]
College career
Da Silva played in 24 games and averaged 2.7 points and one rebound per game during his freshman season at Colorado.[4] He became a starter going into his sophomore season and averaged 9.4 points and 3.5 rebounds over 31 games played.[5]
Da Silva was named first-team All-Pac-12 as a junior after averaging 15.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game.[6] In 2023, Da Silva registered his name for the NBA draft, but ended up returning to Colorado for his senior season.[7] In his final season at Colorado, Da Silva averaged 16.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, while shooting a career high 39.5% from 3 on 4.8 attempts a game. He was named second-team All-Pac-12.[8]
Despite having remaining college eligibility, Da Silva declared for the NBA draft on April 29th, 2024.[9]
Professional career
Orlando Magic (2024–present)
On 26 June 2024, da Silva was selected with the 18th overall pick by the Orlando Magic in the 2024 NBA draft.[10][11] He joined his college teammates Cody Williams and KJ Simpson, in being selected, making Colorado one of just three programs to boast at least three draft picks in the 2024 draft.[12] On 6 July, he signed with the Magic.[13]
Da Silva made his NBA debut on October 23, 2024, in a 116-97 win over the Miami Heat.[14]
Da Silva's older brother, Oscar, played college basketball at Stanford and currently plays professionally for Bayern Munich.[15] Their father was a professional boxer before immigrating to Germany in the 1990s and owns a Brazilian restaurant in Munich.[16] Tristan speaks five languages: German, Portuguese, Spanish, French, and English.[2]
Despite being drafted by the Orlando Magic, his favorite team as a child was the Los Angeles Lakers. His favorite player is Luka Dončić. He likes music, acting and playing soccer. He even played the trumpet well, like a professional musician.[17] With dual citizenship (German and Brazilian), Tristan can still choose to represent either nation in FIBA play.
