World Cup stint in doubt
Back spasms bothered Kai Sotto when he suited up for the Orlando Magic against the Boston Celtics in the 2023 NBA Summer League at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas on Sunday (Manila time).
Sotto’s pain on his back hampered his movement during the game as he registered just two rebounds, an assist, and a pair of turnovers, leaving the game after just eight minutes of action. He was 0 of 3 from the field.
The Magic fell to the Celtics, 94-77.
It was a far cry from his 6 point-4 rebound-3 block-1 assist performance during his Summer League debut three days ago against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Because of his situation, Sotto said after the game that he may not be able to play in the 2023 FIBA World Cup with the Gilas Pilipinas.
Sotto, who saw action with Hiroshima Dragonflies in the Japan B. League before coming to Las Vegas, said he is not yet sure of joining the Gilas team in the FIBA tournament, to be hosted by the Philippines, Indonesia and Japan from August 25 to Sept. 10, 2023.
Sotto said he has not had a break from playing since the start of the year.
He was supposed to join Gilas’ practices on July 18, but his back injury may have deemed this not possible.
“Pag-iisipan ko pa. Aalagaan ko likod ko ngayon, mag-rehab ako as soon as I get back, so we’ll see,” added Sotto in an interview with spin.ph.
The 7’3” Sotto is bidding to become the Philippines’ first homegrown basketball player to make it in the regular season of the NBA.