Fans voice out frustration after Kai Sotto’s DNP in first Summer League game

The intense anticipation of Filipino basketball fans turned into disappointment on Sunday morning as Kai Sotto didn’t see a single second of action in Orlando Magic’s Summer League matchup against the Detroit Pistons.

It was supposed to be an opportunity for the Filipino prodigy to showcase his skills in front of NBA scouts and executives in an official game for the first time, but Magic Summer League coach Dylan Murphy decided to bench the 21-year-old hopeful.

Without even getting the chance to see the young center play, Sotto’s supporters must’ve had the worst time watching Orlando lose to the Pistons, 89-78, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. After the game, the disgruntled fans went on Twitter to voice out their feelings.

@OptimistFran gave Coach Dylan a lecture, telling him to get rid of the small ball lineup, and use the 7-foot-3 pivot instead. Well, he may have a point as the Pistons outrebounded the Magic, 46-30.

Ya'll need to stop acting like this is a regular season of the NBA. Keep pushing the small ball line up, where obviously the Pistons out-rebounded you guys. You got a 7"3 Center in your roster, u didn't even use him once. U got a gem there, open your eyes Magic.

— P A M E (@OptimistFran) July 8, 2023

Twitter user Harris echoed the sentiment.

“You needed a big and didn’t even give your tallest player a minute to play,” the obviously exasperated netizen wrote.

You needed a big and didnt even give your tallest player a single minute to play. 🤦???

— Harris (@donsyete) July 9, 2023

Gerald Ramirez spoke in behalf of Filipino NBA fans and practically begged for Sotto to get some action in the Summer League.

”We are fans from the Philippines let Kai Sotto play and show his talent in the eyes of all Filipinos watching around the world,” Ramirez stated.

We are fans from the Philippines let Kai Sotto play and show his talent in the eyes of all Filipinos watching around the world.#LetsplayKai🇵🇭

— Gerald Ramirez (@GeraldRami39616) July 8, 2023

Netizen Aigee Caacbay seemed to have lost all hope as he accused the Magic franchise of exploiting Kai’s popularity among Filipinos.

“You just post Kai Sotto for clout,” the Twitter user claimed.

You just post Kai Sotto for clout. LOL shame

— Aigee Caacbay (@allansanity11) July 8, 2023

As expected, Murphy, who’s also the head coach for Orlando’s G League affiliate team the Osceola Magic, took a lot of heat after Sotto’s DNP. But as he previously said, the best way for the players to approach the Summer League is to remain positive. If that's case, maybe Sotto will get his shot soon.

“You’re representing yourselves and the Orlando Magic organization. So, carry yourself in the right way, play the right way, and maintain a positive attitude about the whole thing,” Murphy advised the players during an interview posted on OrlandoMagic.com on Saturday.

Fans will have to wait and see if Kai’s patience will pay off on Tuesday as the Magic take on another matchup in the Indiana Pacers.

(GM)