Magic Grab Top 3-Point Shooter in Latest Mock Draft

The Orlando Magic address shooting in the latest 2024 NBA Mock Draft.

Jeremy Brener | May 13, 2024

Mar 24, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Colorado Buffaloes forward Tristan da Silva (23) shoots over / Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

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ORLANDO — The Orlando Magic didn't see their draft position move after Sunday's lottery. But it did signal that draft season is officially upon us.

To celebrate the occasion, ESPN published a mock draft with the finalized order and slated Colorado's Tristan da Silva for the Magic with the No. 18 overall pick.

"The Magic ranked among the worst 3-point shooting teams this season and will look to improve in that area this offseason. Da Silva, a plug-and-play option who turns 23 on May 15, brings coveted defensive versatility and feel for the game. He also doesn't need plays called for him, which could be attractive operating alongside existing young stars Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero," ESPN writes.

The Magic could see a path for da Silva to play immediately given the experience he has from college ball, but Orlando doesn't have much space in its rotation. This past season, the German forward averaged 16 points per game while shooting 39.5 percent from beyond the 3-point line. da Silva's distance shooting would certainly be welcomed for a team that shot just 35.2 percent from the 3-point line this season.

It remains to be seen what the Magic will do with the pick, whether they trade it for a veteran piece or use it on a player who needs more development. But if da Silva is the pick, he certainly makes the Magic better.

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Published May 13, 2024

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.