In this special episode of Dawg Talk, Hosts J Mac and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (KCP) welcome Orlando Magic rookie Tristan da Silva, aka "Silk," for an in-depth conversation about his first year in the NBA, his international basketball journey, and life off the court.
The trio kicks things off with laughs about KCP’s lack of sleep and the origin of Tristan’s nickname “Silk,” given for his smooth game and demeanor. Tristan reflects on his transition from playing in Germany to NCAA basketball at Colorado, where he stayed all four years—something rare in today’s transfer-heavy college game. He shares his growth from limited freshman minutes to becoming a first-round draft pick and credits his maturity and preparation to that full college experience.
The conversation digs into Tristan’s rookie season with the Magic—his standout moments, the challenges of adapting to the NBA’s pace, and how he’s been learning from KCP, whom he praises for his leadership, consistency, and team-first mentality. The two bond over the ups and downs of adjusting to new levels of play and the importance of staying grounded through the highs and lows of a long season.
They also discuss the evolving global nature of the NBA, comparing Team USA versus Team World, and the differences between European fundamentals and American athleticism. Tristan talks about his early soccer days, discovering basketball, and the discipline he gained from watching practices as a kid in the gym for hours.
The episode closes with love to Orlando Magic fans, shoutouts to future guests (yes, they’re still trying to get Cole Anthony on the pod), and a big thank you to Tristan for pulling up and keeping it real.
One for the Magic fans and hoop heads who want to hear what it’s really like on and off the court—from the vets and the rising stars.
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0:00 – Intro: Back in the Lab with J Mac, KCP & Tristan “Silk” da Silva
3:15 – How “Silk” Got His Nickname & Rookie Year Adjustments
7:30 – Learning from KCP & Stepping Up During the Season
12:10 – Growing Pains, Confidence, and Staying Consistent
16:45 – From Germany to Colorado: Tristan’s Basketball Journey
22:30 – Overseas vs. U.S. Basketball Styles + College Altitude Shock
27:00 – NIL Offers, Draft Prep & Why He Chose to Stay 4 Years
33:10 – Draft Day Surprises: The Magic Workout & KCP’s Story
39:00 – Rookie Transition Program & Panini Sticker Struggles
43:30 – Life as a Dad: KCP Talks Family, Chaos & Saturday Games
48:10 – What Tristan’s Working on This Summer
52:00 – Orlando Magic Shoutouts, Future Guests & Closing
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Connect with Tristan da Silva at:
Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/tristan.da.silva/?hl=en
Follow Us: Dawg Talk Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedawgtalkpod/
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: https://www.instagram.com/caldwellpope/
Jordan McGruder (J Mac): https://www.instagram.com/wordsfrommac/
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