Draft night is one of the most unforgettable experiences for an NBA player. Each player can recall the specific moment when they were announced by the NBA Commissioner on stage, signifying the beginning of their professional career. Rewatching his draft video became a daily habit for Orlando Magic All-Star forward Paolo Banchero, who was chosen as the first overall pick in 2022. He remembers feeling extreme excitement, stating, “My heart was pounding uncontrollably for the initial 20 minutes.”
A phone call frequently initiates these memorable moments. Banchero’s choice will always be associated with Magic Hall of Famer John Gabriel, who made the decision to bring him to Orlando. Wednesday night saw the creation of a special connection as 17-year-old Logan Nieves assisted the Magic in drafting University of Colorado’s Tristan da Silva with the 18th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
An important phone call that alters one’s life
Jeff Weltman, President of Basketball Operations, relied on Nieves to make the critical decision. Nieves found the experience to be surreal and transformative. “It alters the course of someone’s life,” he remarked. When I consider it, it’s an event that I could not have ever imagined happening to me. “It’s truly fantastic.”
.@OrlandoMagic Phone in No. 18 Overall #NBADraft Pick for Tristan da Silva with Help From 17-Year-Old Logan Nieves
✍️ @Dan_Savage @nbacares #MagicTogether https://t.co/LiGY8nKaty
— Orlando Magic PR (@Magic_PR) June 27, 2024
Nieves’ arrival at this point came as a surprise. A little more than a month ago, he awoke with his eyes looking in different directions, causing his father Ronald to quickly take him to AdventHealth, where he promptly received appropriate treatment. Due to the treatment he received, Nieves promptly resumed his usual tasks.
An unexpected treat
The Magic organized a unique event for Nieves and his father to show their appreciation. On the night of the draft, they were asked to come to the AdventHealth Training Center for a behind-the-scenes visit. During the tour, Nieves was given a customized jersey and draft hat in the team’s locker room.
Afterward, Logan and Ronald enjoyed a meal with members of the team’s staff in the facility’s dining hall. As the clock struck 10 p.m. ET, Logan was brought into the team’s draft room to phone in the pick for da Silva.
“To have a day like this, get to spend it with your father (is special),” said Logan. “We came here to an NBA facility and met people with the NBA. Just how neat is that experience as a whole? It’s really humbling. I’m very grateful that I have this opportunity. I was also very intimidated when I first got the email because having this (experience and) exposure is just something I am all too unaccustomed with.”
Tristan da Silva: A New Addition to the Magic
Tristan da Silva, a standout player from the University of Colorado, now joins the Magic roster. Known for his versatility and skill on the court, da Silva is expected to make a significant impact. His selection by the Magic marks a new chapter in his career, one that began with a memorable and heartfelt phone call made by a young fan whose life had also been transformed by the team.
This draft night story underscores the magic of the NBA Draft and the unique connections it can create. For Logan Nieves and Tristan da Silva, the 2024 draft will forever be a shared milestone, a night when their paths crossed in an unforgettable way.