Almost every Filipino basketball fan was extremely disappointed with the Orlando Magic after the Filipino phenom Kai Sotto was benched in the whole first game against the Detroit Pistons in the 2k24 NBA Summer League. Kai logged a DNP (Did Not Play) which was confirmed to be a coach’s decision. Thousands of Filipinos were frustrated, to say the least, that the 21-year-old center was not able to touch the floor even with just garbage playing time. But, why did the Orlando Magic bench Kai Sotto? Will he ever set foot in the Summer League?
Before the Summer League even started, it was confirmed that there were “no guarantees” for Kai Sotto despite being called to participate
Last month, it was confirmed that Sotto has been invited to play for the Orlando Magic in the Summer League. The 7-foot-3 big man was set to collide with some of the biggest names and top prospects in the 2023 NBA draft. However, Sotto’s agent Tony Ronzone (Wasserman Sports) said that Kai may be on the team, but he is not guaranteed anything.
Kai Sotto pic.twitter.com/CAuBAh9s5l
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) July 3, 2023
“No guaranteed minutes, no guarantees for anything. Kai’s all fired up for this. It’s an opportunity to bring his family over (to Las Vegas) to be part of it. Orlando’s a loaded team and no game will be easy. But it’s his big break. We’ve done our part at Wasserman to get him ready. He worked out at our facility in Los Angeles (with coach Olin Simplis) and went to three NBA mini-camps in Utah, Dallas, and New York. Now, it’s up to Kai, it’s on him.” Tony Ronzone told PhilStar Global.
Moreover, before their game against the Pistons, the Magic’s head coach Dylan Murphy informed Kai Sotto he will not be playing
As sad as it sounds, even Kai already knew he wasn’t getting any playing time against the Detroit Pistons. Kai was informed beforehand that only “rookies and contracted players” will be getting the spotlight, especially in the team’s first outing in the NBA 2k24 Summer League.
“Kinausap ako ng coach (Dylan Murphy) namin. Lima kami,” (translated: “Coach (Dylan Murphy) talked to the five of us”) Kai told Homer Sayson (Spin.ph) outside the Magic locker room after the game.
Kai Sotto told well beforehand that Magic rookies and contracted players would get first dibs on playing time in #NBASummerLeague By @HomerSayson https://t.co/LbCneX7k9N
— SPIN.ph (@spinph) July 9, 2023
Back home, Sotto’s fellow countrymen were looking forward to the prospect’s chance at fulfilling his NBA dream. In the 2022 NBA draft, Kai Sotto went undrafted which broke the hearts of many Filipinos. He had many choices, but his agent chose that Kai should return to his team in Australia’s NBL, the Adelaide 36ers. But, after just a year, Sotto left the league and moved to the Japan B-League where he played for the Hiroshima Dragonflies. Now, he is once again on the run to become the first full-blooded Filipino to play in the NBA.
Filipino fans were furious and are throwing shade at the Orlando Magic’s social media following Kai’s DNP
Obviously, Pinoy basketball fans would be frustrated, disappointed, and mad after seeing Kai Sotto just sitting throughout the game. The Orlando Magic is getting lots of backlash on the internet, especially on Twitter. To those who don’t know, Kai Sotto is the only legitimate center in the 22-man roster of the Orlando Magic. Although they have talented big men like Jett Howard and D.J. Wilson, it would be nice to see Kai make his way in the Summer League.
Hopefully, Sotto gets the chance to showcase his talents in the next three games. The Magic will face the Indiana Pacers on July 10. Then, they will play against the New York Knicks and Portland Trailblazers in two consecutive games (July 12 and 13). If Orlando reaches the Summer League semifinals, this game will be held on July 16. If not, they will be given an extra game on the 15th.
In what would have been his first real opportunity to showcase his talents in front of the NBA universe, Kai Sotto logged a DNP (Did Not Play).
It was frustrating to witness all the anticipation fizzle out in a hot Las Vegas summer day.
Read more @spinph pic.twitter.com/9GghcKuY0g
— Homer Sayson (@HomerSayson) July 8, 2023
Kai sotto played with a regular NBA roster and scored 11points , & grabbed 5 rebounds but can't play in the summer league with a bunch of gleague guys and rookies? Come on man. this is rigged. pic.twitter.com/yBRLmXst3p
— gilasmuse (@pilipinasmuse) July 9, 2023
The orlando magic franchise after using kai sotto for clout in the summer league. pic.twitter.com/SnQF8hdwCK
— gilasmuse (@pilipinasmuse) July 8, 2023
So @OrlandoMagic had Kai Sotto promoting @nba summer league and didn't even give him any minutes! What's up with that @Wasserman pic.twitter.com/4odPRbhdpp
— anthony carlo (@carlo8_carlo) July 8, 2023
The adelaide 36ers social media to the magic after kai sotto getting benched. 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/N1zUyXjJNz
— gilasmuse (@pilipinasmuse) July 9, 2023
All of Philippines waiting for Kai sotto be like.. pic.twitter.com/tPmf6QYS4Q
— gilasmuse (@pilipinasmuse) July 8, 2023
Will we see Kai Sotto hit the court in the next games? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. For more content, stay with us here at Spiel Times. Make sure you subscribe to our push notifications and never miss an update. You can also follow us on Spiel Anime, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Until next time!
