2024 NBA Mock Draft: Spurs prioritize two-way talents, Magic land surprise steal
By Reese Kunz
Pick No. 16: Philadelphia 76ers select Tristan Da Silva
The Philadelphia 76ers are the first team in the draft that should be strongly prioritizing immediate impact prospects to help them contend for a championship. A handful of teams selecting earlier may also factor this into their selection, but the timeline seems particularly pressing for the 76ers and Joel Embiid, now 30.
With an established superstar duo in Embiid and Tyrese Maxey and plenty of cap space to potentially sign a third star, Philadelphia needs to draft someone who can contribute immediately; this is especially important when considering Philadelphia’s role players. In this year’s playoffs, their lack of depth was highly apparent, relying on players they brought in, like Kyle Lowry and Buddy Hield, to help solve all their problems. Tobias Harris even scored a goose egg in their Game 6 loss against the New York Knicks. In other words, Philadelphia has few reliable pieces outside of Embiid and Maxey.
Colorado’s Tristan Da Silva is someone who can fill this need with his experience as a 23-year-old senior. This season, Da Silva averaged 16 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.1 steals on 49/40/84 shooting splits. A 6-foot-8 forward who shot 39.5 percent from three, it’s easy to see Da Silva’s fit in the NBA. He seems to be this year’s Jaime Jaquez Jr, an experienced wing who is projected to go in the mid-first round due to his high floor and ability to contribute immediately.