CHICAGO - Through the years, the relationship between Kai Sotto and Gilas Pilipinas has largely been fond and affectionate.
But like most family ties, this one, too, is a contact sport.
After failing to come to terms last February when Sotto sat out that month's FIBA window, the two parties are at loggerheads again, this time over the upcoming 2023 FIBA World Cup.
READ: Kai Sotto says he'll know on Monday if he'll join Gilas in China trip
And because of this hiccup it is now increasingly likely that Sotto won't join Gilas when it departs on August 1 for a pocket tournament in China.
The 21-year old Sotto has reportedly signed a contract to play for the upcoming event. But the Samahang Basketbol Ng Pilipinas (SBP) hierarchy hasn't affixed the counterpart signature to make the deal legally binding and enforceable.
"Up to now he has no signed agreement with the SBP. He should not even be going to team practices because if anything happens to him he has no protection," the player's camp told SPIN.ph.
So why is the SBP letting the ink dry on the contract?
Well, Sotto sustained back spasms while playing for the Orlando Magic in the Las Vegas Summer League. Instead of immediately joining Gilas' practices upon returning to the Philippines he requested two weeks off for physical therapy.
A source from the SBP claimed Kai's camp told the SBP that Sotto had been checked at a hospital. But upon double-checking, no record can be found of Kai getting checked there, the source added.
Feeling misled, it was at this instance when SBP began adopting a stern 'trust but verify' approach.
"We asked for medical clearance and were even willing to bend over backwards in a way that Kai's doctor can discuss his condition with the medical team of SBP," the official clarified.
Despite repeated pleas, Sotto's handlers haven't cooperated on this matter, the SBP asserts.
Uncertainty around Sotto
Without the certainty of the 7-foot-3 center's health and availability, a myriad of legal repercussions pertaining to insurance liability becomes an obstacle to finalizing a deal.
That's where the logjam is.
Look, Sotto wants to play. That was never in doubt.
The team wants his services, too. This much, both parties can agree..
The when and why not is where both sides are at odds..
Meanwhile, the clock keeps ticking.
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