Summer League has become a stage of budding showmanship in the NBA offseason. The #1 draft pick of 2023 might have gone out of action, but other rookies are roaring their way to catch attention of the NBA movers and shakers. A Philippine sensation called Kai Sotto is doing just the same. 

Listed at 7’3, Kai Sotto went undrafted in 2022. He bounced around in different leagues outside the NBA. But what team did Kai Sotto play for before gearing up for the Orlando Magic?

What team outside the NBA does Kai Sotto play for?

At 16 years of age, Kai Sotto was labeled as one of the best international prospects. This was before all the hype and media coverage started covering the French national, Victor Wembanyama instead.

Before everything started, Sotto had signed a deal with G-league’s Ignite in 2020. However, the bigman never suited up for the team as he decided to play at the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers with the Philippine national team. And when he returned, Sotto and Ignite decide to mutually part ways.

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Kai Sotto then started his professional career back in 2021 playing for the Adelaide 36ers in the Australian national basketball league (NBL). He went on to declare for the 2022 NBA draft but unfortunately went undrafted.

Sotto decided to go back to Adelaide to play another year after finally announcing that he will be playing with another team overseas. The 7’3 center then went on to sign a deal with the Hiroshima Dragonflies of the Japanese B. League.

His contract with the Dragonflies included an opt-out option if he were to go on and get an opportunity to play in the NBA with a team. And now, Sotto finally got the calling he was yearning for.

Kai Sotto finally got his NBA fame

After spending only a few months with the Hiroshima Dragonflies, Kai Sotto got an invite from the Orlando Magic to come play for the team in this year’s Summer League. After not getting any playing time in the first three games, Sotto finally got some time on the floor.

The Orlando Magic faced off against the Portland Trail Blazers in their most recent matchup. Though the Magic lost the game, fans and other scouts got to see Sotto perform on the NBA hardwood floor.

The Filipino basketball phenom got only 13 minutes of action. But it was enough to leave an impression on many. Sotto finished with 6 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 blocks in the limited minutes he played off the bench.

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Now let’s see if the Magic’s coaching staff decides to give Sotto more time in their next matchup.