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    COLUMN: Kai passes physicals with Orlando; Mavs non-invite explained

    Sotto fit to start practice with Magic's Summer League team
    Jun 30, 2023
    Kai Sotto Hiroshima Japan B.League
    PHOTO: B.League
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    CHICAGO -- It's all systems go for Kai Sotto to practice with the Orlando Magic's Summer League team beginning on July 2.

    Kai Sotto passes Magic physicals

    "So far, no issues. All good," Tony Ronzone of Wasserman Sports, told me via text message after Kai went through with his medicals several hours ago.

    Unlike the pre-draft, NBA contract, and NBA trade physicals, the Summer League physical which the 7-foot-3 Filipino passed was less stringent.

    "Prospects usually go through the general health checks that include, primarily, a stress test," an NBA source informed SPIN.ph about what Kai underwent with the Magic.

    If Kai were in the Draft Combine he would have gone through a more rigorous strength test where scouts and team executives would see how many bench press repetitions he can do at 185 pounds.

    His standing vertical and jumping vertical will also be measured along with multiple agility drills that will gauge the speed with which he can sprint from the baseline to the opposite free throw line.

    If the stars align, God willing, and Kai indeed lands a roster spot, he will undergo what is called an NBA contract physical where the team doctors will probe deeper into Sotto's overall well-being with the aid of blood work, x-rays and MRIs.

    MAVERICKS NON-CALL EXPLAINED

    Meanwhile, a member of the Dallas Mavericks organization, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he isn't authorized to speak on the matter, gave us a clue why Sotto didn't get an invite in spite of Mark Cuban's high praise of the former Ateneo high school star's mini-camp performance.

    "We drafted a big," he said, obviously referring to Dereck Lively II whom the Mavericks acquired via draft night trade from the OKC THunder. The No. 12 overall pick, Lively is a 7-foot-1, 230-pound center-forward who played one season at Duke University.

    "We also have another big in the G League who couldn't play last season and we are bringing him back," the Mavs source added.

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      But there is still much hope that Kai will somehow find a home in the NBA.

      "It's about fit and ability. Free agency starts tomorrow and all teams will be on alert," the source added.

      Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph

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