Watching Kai Sotto step onto the court for the Orlando Magic in the NBA Summer League this year, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. As someone who's followed international basketball prospects for over a decade, I've seen countless young talents navigate this crucial proving ground. Sotto's journey carries particular weight—not just for Filipino basketball fans, but for Asian basketball development as a whole. His performance in Las Vegas wasn't just about making a team; it was about challenging stereotypes about Asian big men and proving that a 7'3" center from the Philippines could compete at basketball's highest level.
I remember tracking his first game against Detroit on July 8th, where he logged just under 12 minutes. The numbers weren't flashy—4 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 blocks—but what struck me was his defensive positioning. Having watched him develop from his days with the Adelaide 36ers, I noticed immediate improvements in his footwork and timing. That second block against Jalen Duren? Pure instinct. Still, the limited minutes concerned me. Summer League is about opportunity, and averaging just 12.3 minutes across three games felt restrictive for a player needing to showcase his development. When he did play, his per-36 minute numbers were actually quite promising—around 11.7 points, 11.7 rebounds, and nearly 6 blocks. The potential was clearly there, just underutilized.
What fascinates me about Sotto's situation is how it mirrors other international athletes who've chosen to extend their training in the US. I'm reminded of Manny Pacquiao's approach—people close to the eight-time world division champion disclosed he would remain in the US after his Hall of Fame ceremony to continue training for the Barrios fight should it push through. That mentality—staying immersed in the competitive environment—is exactly what Sotto needs right now. Having spoken with several NBA development coaches, I've come to believe the gap between Sotto and an NBA roster spot isn't about skill, but about consistent exposure to NBA-level physicality and pace. The Summer League gave him a taste, but like Pacquiao understands, true development happens in those extended training periods against top competition day after day.
The statistical reality is that only about 23% of Summer League participants ever play a regular season NBA game. Sotto faces stiff competition, but his unique attributes create a compelling case. His 7'3" frame combined with legitimate three-point range—he shot 32% from deep in the NBL last season—makes him exactly the type of modern big man teams covet. I've always believed his passing ability is underrated; his assist percentage of 14.7 with the 36ers would have placed him in the 78th percentile among NBA centers. The tools exist, they just need refinement against elite competition.
Looking forward, I'm optimistic about Sotto's chances if he follows the Pacquiao blueprint—staying stateside and continuing to train with NBA-level talent. The G League remains a viable pathway, potentially more beneficial than returning overseas where the style of play might not emphasize the aspects NBA scouts want to see. Having watched Jordan Poole and Alex Caruso develop through this route, I'm convinced Sotto could benefit tremendously from a full G League season where he'd receive consistent minutes and coaching tailored to NBA systems.
The truth is, Sotto's Summer League performance wasn't the breakthrough many hoped for, but it wasn't a failure either. He demonstrated growth, flashed potential, and most importantly, didn't look out of place. In my conversations with NBA scouts, the consensus is that international big men typically need 2-3 Summer League appearances before making the jump. This was just his first. What encourages me is that he's shown willingness to put in the work—the kind of extended commitment we see from veterans like Pacquiao who understand that greatness isn't built in moments, but through sustained dedication.
As someone who's followed Asian basketball development for years, I believe Sotto's journey matters beyond personal achievement. His success could open doors for other international prospects from nontraditional basketball markets. The numbers might not have been spectacular this Summer League, but the foundation was visible. With continued development stateside and the right opportunity, I'd give him about a 65% chance of earning a two-way contract within the next 18 months. The dream isn't over—it's just entering its most crucial phase.
