Kai Sotto makes defensive presence known for Magic in summer league debut

Three years ago, Kai Sotto took part in a Basketball Without Borders Global Camp held during the 2020 NBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago.

Fast-forward to Thursday night when the 7-foot-3 center from the Philippines made his summer league debut for the Magic at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

“I’m very happy to be here,” Sotto said after Orlando’s 88-71 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. “It’s a blessing each and every day to be out here and experience all of this.”

Although he wasn’t on the court long, Sotto made the most out of his 13 minutes played, recording 6 points, 4 rebounds and 3 blocks after not appearing in the Magic’s first three games in Vegas.

“He protected the rim and had a couple of nice finishes,” Magic summer league coach Dylan Murphy said. “Credit to him for staying ready [after] obviously not playing the first couple of games, so I’m definitely proud of his performance.

“Sometimes it can be hard to come in cold and perform, and I thought he did well.”

Throughout the week leading up to his first appearance, “We want Sotto” chants could be heard from fans.

“It feels good,” Sotto said when asked about the vocal support. “It’s for me to do my part and show 100% effort every game, so hopefully I make them happy.”

Sotto said it wasn’t until his first block of Shaedon Sharpe’s shot at the 5:24 mark of the second quarter that he felt the weight of anticipation come off his shoulders, allowing him to loosen up on the court.

He later blocked two more of Portland’s attempts in the fourth quarter while gathering 4 rebounds, 2 of them offensive.

“I didn’t play a lot but I was emphasizing on the inside presence, especially defensively,” he said. “Obviously I’m one of the tallest players out there so I’ve got to help my team protect the paint when I’m in there.

“Offensively, it will come to me. I’m a good teammate, so I’m really a willing passer for a big guy. So I’m just going to let the game come to me offensively. Defensively, that’s where I’m doing my work.”

Prior to joining the Magic in summer league, Sotto went undrafted in 2022 and played in Australia professionally. Trying to become the first Filipino-born player in the NBA, he’s an intriguing prospect because of his 7-3 frame.

Sotto discussed how things are different on the court compared to overseas.

“The game at the summer league is just more fast-paced,” he said. “Everybody’s trying to prove they can play in an NBA environment. Everybody’s pretty skilled and is hungry to show that they’re worthy of a roster spot, so it’s competitive.”

The Magic have just two slots available that they can use for two-way players, but Sotto is free to sign with any other team if offered. Orlando can fill its final two-way spots with players who impress them at summer league. They’re not limited to their own summer league free agents and can consider all 30 teams’ free agents at the showcase. Those include experienced players who remain unsigned as well as players who’ll be released in the future. Or the Magic can keep that roster flexibility for trades.

Murphy said it’s still to be decided on how much Sotto will play in the Magic’s fifth and final summer league game Saturday (6:30 p.m., NBA TV) against Boston. The potential decision to sign Sotto to a two-way deal will be made by Orlando’s front office.

Regardless of what happens after summer league, Sotto is proud of what he has accomplished so far and he hopes his fans are, too.

“I’m just happy to be supported by a lot of people, and that’s one of the things I think about every day,” he said.

Email Jason Beede at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on Twitter at @therealBeede.