Kai Sotto gets invite from Orlando Magic for 2023 NBA Summer League

Kai Sotto has been called up to play in the NBA Summer League after attending multiple NBA training camps over the past weeks.

As confirmed by NBA Philippines on Friday evening, Sotto has been invited to play for the Orlando Magic from July 7 to July 17 in Las Vegas during the league’s preseason.

A number of NBA scouts will be observing the young Filipino center as he competes on the national stage.

“After getting invited by the Orlando Magic to participate in the 2023 NBA Summer League to take place July 7-17 in Las Vegas, Kai Sotto has another shot at making it to the NBA,” the NBA Philippines said in a post.

Sotto has been attending NBA team practices, including those of the Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz.

Phil Handy, assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers and currently on an Asian tour, stated that Sotto’s NBA aspirations are contingent on the availability of opportunities.

“It [NBA selection] could be this summer, it could be next year. It really just depends on the opportunity,” Handy said during a press conference.

Sotto, who hopes to become the first native Filipino to play in the NBA, attempted to enter the league via the NBA Draft in 2022 but was not selected.

“The NBA is my biggest dream, so I will continue to work hard and challenge myself in summer league in the United States this summer,” Sotto said last month.

After going undrafted, he returned to the Adelaide 36ers of the National Basketball League and then signed with the Hiroshima Dragonflies of the Japan B.League.

The product of Ateneo recently signed a contract extension with the Dragonflies, but he is permitted to try out for NBA teams during the league’s break.

Kai Sotto is also included in Gilas Pilipinas’ 21-man FIBA World Cup roster, where he could reunite with Jordan Clarkson.