Kai Sotto deals with back pain, plays limited in final NBA Summer League game
FILE – Kai Sotto during his NBA Summer League debut against Portland. –NBA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Kai Sotto went scoreless in his final NBA Summer League game as the Orlando Magic got dominated by the Boston Celtics, 94-77, on Sunday (Manila Time) at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.
Sotto only played eight minutes and missed all his three shot attempts as he was reportedly dealing with back pain. He was subbed out at the 5:35 mark of the second quarter and went straight to the locker room.
Article continues after this advertisementThe 7-foot-3 Sotto checked in with over three minutes remaining in the first quarter and made his presence felt, grabbing two defensive rebounds and blocking a shot.
He finished with two rebounds, one block, and an assist with two turnovers.
It was Sotto’s second time to see action in five games in the Summer League.
Article continues after this advertisementThe Magic finished their Summer League campaign winless in five games.
The Filipino center made his Summer League debut last Friday, collecting six points, four rebounds, one assist and three blocks in 13 minutes of action in the Magic’s 88-71 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Celtics improved to a 2-3 record with Vincent Valerio-Bodon leading their balanced attack with 13 points, six rebounds, and three assists. Jordan Walsh and Reggie Kissoonlal chipped in 12 points each, while Kamar Baldwin and Justin Bean added 10 apiece.
Orlando banked on Robert Baker’s double-double effort of 15 points and 11 rebounds only.
It’s still uncertain as to where Sotto heads next after the Summer League but he is part of the Gilas Pilipinas’ pool for the Fiba World Cup this August.
