FILE – Kai Sotto during training with the Orlando Magic for the NBA Summer League.
MANILA, Philippines—Filipino fans were left disappointed after Kai Sotto was benched at the start of the Orlando Magic’s campaign in the NBA Summer League on Sunday (Manila time) in Las Vegas.
Sotto’s Summer League debut will have to wait after he logged a DNP (Did Not Play – Coach’s Decision) in an 89-78 Magic loss to the Detroit Pistons.
James Wiseman and Jalen Durent formed a formidable frontcourt for the Pistons.
Wiseman, the second overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, powered Detroit with 16 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks.
Duren, the 13th overall pick in last year’s draft, posted a team-high 17 points on top of eight rebounds while Jaden Ivey, who was taken fifth in the same class, added 14 points and five steals.
Anthony Black full highlights vs. DET:
17 PTS
5 REB
5 AST
3 STL
7-10 FG pic.twitter.com/pWokhAJddH— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) July 8, 2023
Kevon Harris topscored with 21 for the Magic while Anthony Black, last month’s sixth overall pick, added 17 points, five rebounds and five assists.
DJ Wilson, who plays for the Osceola Magic in the G League, started at center for Orlando. He tallied four points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block in 26 minutes.
The Magic will return to action on Tuesday against the Indiana Pacers.