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/

In this hilarious and candid episode of Dawg Talk, co-hosts J Mac and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (KCP) kick back and share some wild stories from summers past — from unforgettable (and regrettable) party nights in 2016 to throwing up on a stranger’s head in the club, and even blacking out on NBA Draft night. KCP recalls moments that shaped his off-court journey, while J Mac reflects on a turning point in 2021 where KCP and his dad helped pull him out of a low moment in life.

The conversation shifts into hoops talk as they break down the NBA Finals matchups, with KCP still riding for OKC to win in 6. They debate Tyrese Haliburton’s superstar status, highlight the value of role players like Caruso and Lu Dort, and reflect on Austin Rivers’ recent comments giving props to KCP for mastering the art of being a high-impact role player.

They also dive into the harsh reality of the coaching carousel in the NBA, with recent firings like Coach Thibodeau and Mike Malone raising eyebrows, and KCP shedding light on the business side of the league.

From brotherhood and nightlife mishaps to NBA insight and future coaching dreams, this episode blends laughs, life lessons, and locker room wisdom.

Watch on YouTube & Stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you get your pods.

Tune in now! Like, share, and subscribe—we’re on all podcast platforms and YouTube.

Watch on YouTube & 🎧 Stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you get your pods.

Follow Us:

Dawg Talk Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedawgtalkpod/

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: https://www.instagram.com/caldwellpope/

Jordan McGruder: https://www.instagram.com/wordsfrommac/

To the roots of what Dawg Talk really is, Georgia Dawgs and co-hosts Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Kenny Gaines are joined by special guest and college teammate, Marcus Thornton. They reflect on their deep brotherhood, basketball journeys, and life after hoops.

Marcus shares his rise from Southwest Atlanta, detailing his dominant high school career at Westlake and how seeing Cam Newton in high school lit a fire under him. He opens up about being inspired by and playing alongside elite talent like McDonald's All-American Jelan Kendrick, committing to Clemson, and eventually switching to UGA after a coaching change — a move driven by relationships and the familiar brotherhood in Athens.

Marcus now leads in the commercial real estate industry and runs Next Play University, a youth sports organization on Atlanta’s south side. Meanwhile, KCP shares his vision for giving back to his hometown of Greenville, GA — from investing in land and facilities to possibly becoming its first NBA mayor.

The episode wraps with stories from their days making music together, a surprise freestyle memory, and a reaffirmation of the unshakable bond between Dawgs.

Watch on YouTube & 🎧 Stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you get your pods.

Connect with Marcus Thornton at:

Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/marcusthornton_2/?locale=es_ES&hl=en

Follow Us: Dawg Talk Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedawgtalkpod/

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: https://www.instagram.com/caldwellpope/

Jordan McGruder: https://www.instagram.com/wordsfrommac/