Colorado forward Tristan Da Silva showed promising signs of growth in his four years as a member of the Buffaloes. He initially declared for the 2023 NBA Draft but withdrew to return for his final season. That decision paid off, as a standout run in this year’s NCAA Tournament significantly boosted his draft stock.
Tristan Da Silva 2024 NBA Draft Profile
College Career
A 6’9” combo forward and the younger brother of former Stanford wing Oscar Da Silva, Tristan turned heads as a senior. Across 34 games (all starts), he averaged 16 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.1 steals on .493/.395/.835 splits. The numbers were eerily similar to a breakout junior year that saw him increase his scoring average by nearly seven points per game (9.4 to 15.9) and earn a nod to the All-Pac 12 First Team. His performances this season earned him a spot on the All-Pac 12 Second Team.
If regular season accolades weren’t enough, Da Silva proved himself in this year’s March Madness. He dropped 20 points on 64% shooting (7/11) in the Buffaloes’ first-round win over Boise State. He followed that up with consecutive 17-point games against No. 7 Florida and No. 2 Marquette, bowing out with an efficient 50% shooting night (7/14 FG, 3/7 3PT) against the Golden Eagles.
Strengths
Da Silva is a talented prospect on both sides of the ball. Offensively, he boasts an array of moves to finish at the basket, and is adept at scoring in transition. He is also a solid cutter, getting open for easy buckets and taking contact well. Da Silva’s perimeter game is just as impressive. Dal Silva’s 39.5% from deep was the best percentage of his career—he averaged 38% from three over four years. Da Silva can shoot off the catch, from handoffs and on pull-ups, adding to his status as an offensive threat. His half-court offense is sound for a four-year player, as seen in clips like this where he gets to his spot without hesitation.
The German forward is just as effective defensively, hounding his opponents, jumping passing lanes and contesting perimeter shots. He only tallied 19 blocks in his career, but Da Silva’s wingspan allowed him to swat attempts both inside and outside of the key. It didn’t matter if his opponent was a forward or center—Da Silva was there with a timely stop.
Weaknesses
Despite his versatility, Da Silva must improve in several key areas. The biggest issue is his ball handling, where he committed 202 turnovers compared to 197 assists in his career. His poor dribbling skills could be worrisome at the next level, with most small and power forwards being more advanced with the ball. And although he can rise up for a transition slam, Da Silva’s isn’t the most athletic prospect. His lack of speed can be problematic when it comes to both rebounding and defending against quicker wings.
NBA Comparison
With Da Silva’s size and shooting, he may remind people of Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma, a three-level scorer coming off of consecutive seasons averaging 20 points per game. Both of them are aggressive scorers that turned into top options on their respective teams. While Da Silva may not be the centerpiece of most NBA offenses, he has the talent to make solid contributions as a rookie and grow into a more defined role over time.
