Despite a valiant effort, the Orlando Magic suffered a 108-85 loss against the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Summer League, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the much-anticipated debut of Kai Sotto.
However, Sotto once again remained on the bench, registering another Did Not Play-Coaches’ Decision (DNP-CD) in the Magic’s second defeat. The 7-foot-3 center from the Hiroshima Dragonflies, known for his incredible potential, had yet to step foot on the Summer League floor.
The Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas was abuzz with excitement as fans passionately chanted, “We want Sotto,” a moment captured and shared on Twitter by Court Cousins.
Despite Sotto’s absence, the Magic’s forward, Caleb Houstan, showcased his skills as the team’s leading scorer with an impressive 18 points, five rebounds, and two assists. Additionally, Anthony Black and Jett Howard, the Magic’s lottery picks, contributed with eight and ten points, respectively.
This was not the first time Sotto faced limited playing time. In the Magic’s opening Summer League game against the Detroit Pistons, the young Gilas center also watched from the sidelines. However, there is optimism that Sotto will have an opportunity to crack Orlando’s rotation in their upcoming game against the New York Knicks on July 13.
Looking ahead, the Magic will continue their Summer League campaign with a match against the Portland Trail Blazers on July 14. Following that, they will conclude their assignments with a game against a yet-to-be-determined opponent. These upcoming games present crucial opportunities for Sotto to showcase his skills and earn valuable minutes on the court.
While fans eagerly await Sotto’s debut, the overwhelming support displayed through the “We want Sotto” chant echoes the anticipation surrounding the talented Filipino basketball prodigy. As Sotto continues to work towards his moment on the NBA Summer League floor, the basketball community eagerly awaits the chance to witness his potential unfold and witness the rise of a new star in the sport.