Filipino basketball fans expressed their disappointment with the Orlando Magic for not fielding Kai Sotto in the team’s 78-89 loss to Detroit Piston on Sunday morning (Philippine time) in the NBA Summer League 2023.
The 7’3” Sotto, believed to be the Philippines’ best homegrown prospect to play in the NBA, sat out the entire game, along with six others aspiring to show their skills in the hopes of landing a roster spot in the regular season.
The game stats marked Sotto’s boxes with DNP (Did Not Play)- Coach’s Decision while 10 players were fielded, including first-round picks Anthony Black and Jett Howard.
Some Filipino fans who managed to get tickets inside the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada were seen shouting “Let Kai play” at the Orlando bench.
Filipino fans also expressed their sentiments on major social media platforms and had Sotto’s supposed debut trend on Twitter.
Orlando Magic’s Facebook page was likewise rained with negative comments.
Some, however, still believe that Kai will get his chance to see action when the Magic play Indiana Pacers on Tuesday morning (Filipino time).
Orlando’s Summer League coach Dylan Murphy explained after the game that the team prioritized its choices in the recent NBA Draft, and promised that Sotto and the rest who did not play will get their chance.