Kai Sotto’s Impressive Summer League Debut:
Filipino basketball sensation Kai Sotto finally saw action and made his NBA Summer League debut on Thursday (Friday, Manila Time), scoring six (6) points, four rebounds, and two (2) blocks.
The 21-year homegrown Filipino basketball star showcased his basketball prowess in the National Basketball Association’s Summer League 2023, finishing strong in the Orlando Magic’s 88-71 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.
The former 7-3 center from the National Basketball League (NBL) of Australia, Kai Sotto, committed turn-over and was called for a 3-second violation just seconds into his debut after sitting out the Magic’s first three games where the Magic lost all outings in the NBA Summer League.
The former Ateneo star center, Kai Sotto, did not play in the first three games of the Orlando Magic, and according to some news reports, Kai didn’t play because of the decision of Dylan Murphy, the head coach of the team.
During the fourth outing of the Orlando Magic, the first full-blooded Filipino player in the NBA Summer League hardly made an impression in the first few minutes but played better in the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Kai Sotto was able to make an impressive showing against the Trail Blazers despite the loss, for he was able to provide a vital role in the team’s losing effort and to the delight of the Filipino fans inside the Thomas & Mack Center.
Orlando Magic’s head coach Dylan Murphy fielded Kai Sotto at around 5:37 minutes in the first half. Still, he hardly made an impression but played better in the second half of the game, scoring six points and making two highlight blocks to the delight of the Filipino fans and to the amazement of the Magic’s crowds in Las Vegas.
Although the Summer League stint of the Orlando Magic was not that impressive, with a 0-3 win-loss record with one game to play on Saturday against the Boston Celtics, seeing Kai Sotto in action is already an achievement for the Philippines and the Filipino community in the United States.
Watch Kai Sotto’s NBA Summer League Highlights vs. Blazers:
The Portland Trail Blazers, on their part, improved their record with a 4-1 in the NBA Summer League and preseason showcase. Michael Devoe’s 18 points lead all scorers in Las Vegas, Nevada’s highly anticipated NBA Summer League.
Kai Sotto, who played for around 13:23, also generated one assist and went 3-of-7 from the field. The sportscaster covering the basketball game dubbed Kai Sotto the “Big Fellow from the Philippines,” made his presence known on the court after a series of impressive blocks and strong numbers with his six(6) points and four (4) rebounds against the Blazers.
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