FILIPINO basketball player Kai Sotto is poised for an exciting challenge as he receives an invitation to play for the Orlando Magic in the NBA Summer League. This opportunity grants fans the chance to witness how Sotto fares against the talented rookies from the 2023 NBA Draft.

If given sufficient playing time, the 7-foot-3 center/power forward will have the opportunity to face off against top picks from teams such as Detroit, Indiana, and Portland.

In his first matchup on July 9 at 5:30 a.m. (Manila time), Sotto could potentially go head-to-head with Detroit’s Ausar Thompson, a 6-foot-7 small forward who was drafted fifth overall. Thompson, a standout player for the City Reapers, showcased impressive skills throughout the 2023 Overtime Elite season, averaging 16.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 2.4 steals. He also claimed both the Season MVP and Finals MVP titles.

Next, on July 11 at 8:30 a.m., Sotto will face Jarace Walker when the Orlando Magic takes on the Indiana Pacers. Walker, a 6-foot-8 power forward, was initially drafted eighth overall by Washington but was later traded to the Pacers. During his freshman year at Houston Cougars, Walker recorded 11.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.3 blocks, earning the title of American Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year in 2023.

The highest pick that Sotto will encounter in this series is Scoot Henderson, a 6-foot-2 point guard drafted third overall by the Portland Trail Blazers. The clash between Sotto’s Orlando and Henderson’s Portland is scheduled for July 14 at 9 a.m. Henderson, known for his impressive performances with the Ignite team in the NBA G-League 2023 season, averaged 17.6 points, 5.6 assists, and 5.1 rebounds.

Apart from Detroit, Indiana, and Portland, Sotto and the Orlando Magic will also face the New York Knicks on July 13 at 8 a.m. As of now, the details of their fifth game have not been announced. (ai/mtvn)