Sotto: Another DNP. Photo courtesy of NBA Philippines.
Another DNP for Sotto as Magic fall to Knicks
NO Kai Sotto, no win for the Orlando Magic in the NBA Summer League so far.
Sotto, who is seeking to become the first player born and raised in the Philippines to make it to the NBA, sat out his third straight game in the Orlando Magic’s 80-82 setback to the New York Knicks in overtime at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada on Thursday.
Although one of only two players officially designated as centers on the Orlando line-up, the 7-3 Sotto has played zero minutes in three games so far.
The 21-year-old Gilas Pilipinas mainstay was also benched by Orlando coach Dylan Murphy in the Magic’s game against the Detroit Pistons last Saturday and the Indiana Pacers last Tuesday.
The Magic lost both matches — 78-89 to the Pistons and 85-108 to the Pacers.
Orlando’s game against New York was its best in three NBA Summer League games, but Sotto continued to ride the bench despite clamor from Las Vegas-based Filipino fans.
Jett Howard, who was selected at No. 11 by Orlando in this year’s rookie draft, was the top man for the Magic in a losing effort.
Howard, son of former NBA star Juwan, finished with 22 points in 32 minutes for Orlando.
Quinndary Weatherspoon added 17 points and No. 6 pick overall Anthony Black contributed eight points and 14 rebounds in 30 minutes.
Charlie Brown Jr. topscored with 19 points, six rebounds and four blocks for the the Knicks, who posted their first win in three games.
Orlando’s fourth and last assignment will be against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday (9 a.m. Manila time) and Filipino fans following Sotto’s rise are hoping he will finally get the playing minutes and help the Magic chalk up their first victory.
Despite three DNPs, Sotto is keeping a positive attitude.
“It’s pretty good so far,” he said in an interview posted by the NBA on Facebook on Tuesday afternoon.
“I’ve been enjoying the process. We started training in Orlando and now in Vegas. It’s been fun, surrounded by really good guys, coaches. It’s been a fun experience so far,” added Sotto in the interview.
“I’ve just got to put in the work and stay ready when the coach calls my name.”
