Watching Kai Sotto lace up for the Orlando Magic in the 2023 NBA Summer League was a moment of immense pride for Filipino basketball fans, myself included. I’ve followed his journey closely, from his early days in the Philippines to his stints overseas, and seeing him on that stage felt like a collective win. His performance, while not headline-grabbing in the traditional sense, offered a fascinating glimpse into his development and the tangible pathway he’s carving for future international prospects. It reminded me of a piece of news I came across recently, something about Manny Pacquiao, the legendary Filipino boxer. People close to the eighth-time world division champion disclosed that Pacquiao would stay on in the US after the Hall of Fame ceremony to continue training for the Barrios fight should it push through. That mentality—the relentless pursuit of a goal, the commitment to honing one's craft on the biggest stage—is precisely what Sotto is embodying right now. He isn't just visiting; he's staying to train, to fight, to prove he belongs.
Statistically, his Summer League outing was a mixed bag, which is often the case for young, developing big men. Over the four games he played, he averaged around 6.5 points and 4.0 rebounds in roughly 12 minutes per contest. These aren't numbers that will jump off the page, but context is everything. His most impressive performance came against the Portland Trail Blazers, where he logged 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks. I was particularly impressed with his mobility on defense; for a player listed at 7'3", his ability to move his feet on the perimeter switch was, frankly, better than I had anticipated. He wasn't a statue out there. He showed a soft touch around the rim and a willingness to set solid screens, the unglamorous work that coaches notice. However, the physicality was a clear challenge. He was pushed around in the post on a few occasions, and his rebounding numbers could have been higher if he had managed to establish better position against more mature, stronger bodies. The foul trouble was also a recurring theme, a common growing pain for young centers learning the speed and physicality of the professional game.
So, where does he go from here? The immediate future, in my opinion, doesn't necessarily have to be the NBA's regular season roster. Frankly, I think another year of seasoning, perhaps back in the NBL in Australia or in a strong international league like Japan's B.League, would do him a world of good. He needs consistent, high-level minutes to build strength and refine his game against professional competition, not just spot duty in the G League. The Pacquiao analogy holds strong here. Just as Manny wouldn't step into a world title fight without exhaustive preparation, Kai shouldn't be rushed onto an NBA floor. The goal is a long and sustainable career, not just a cup of coffee. The Magic retaining his G League rights is a positive sign—it means they see potential worth developing. His unique selling point remains his combination of size and skill. There are very few human beings on the planet with his height who can run the floor, shoot with touch, and protect the rim. He needs to double down on that. I'd love to see him add a reliable three-point shot to become a true stretch-five, a weapon that is incredibly valuable in today's NBA.
Ultimately, Kai Sotto's 2023 Summer League was a successful stepping stone. It wasn't a failure because he didn't dominate, and it wasn't a triumph because he had a few good moments. It was a necessary, revealing chapter in his ongoing story. He showed flashes of the player he could become, while also getting a clear, unfiltered look at the areas requiring urgent improvement. The dream of seeing a homegrown Filipino player thrive in the NBA is alive and well, carried on Sotto's shoulders. The road is long and arduous, mirroring the dedication of our other sporting heroes. But from what I saw in Las Vegas, the commitment is there. The foundation is being laid, brick by brick, and I, for one, am excited to see what he builds next.