LAS VEGAS - Kai Sotto finally saw his first NBA Summer League action on Thursday (Friday, Manila time), coming off the bench at the start of the second quarter in the Orlando Magic's game against the Portland Trail Blazers.
The 21-year old Filipino center was immediately called for a 3-second defensive violation just seconds into his debut after sitting out the Magic's first three games - all losses - in the preseason showcase as a DNP-CD (Did Not Play-Coach's Decision).
Sotto missed a 17-footer and made one highlight block, two rebounds, and a turnover off a bad pass before being substituted by DJ Wilson with 4:23 minutes left in the first half and the Magic trailing the Blazers, 37-16.
He played a total of 5:37 minutes in the first half as the 11th player off the bench for the Magic, who sat out eight of the players who cornered most of the minutes in the first three games, including top draft picks Anthony Black and Jett Howard.
The opening half ended with the Magic trailing 45-19, but both the Magic and Sotto played better in the second half before losing, 88-71.
READ: Kai Sotto starts tentatively, finishes strong in Magic debut
Sotto finished with six points on 3-for-7 shooting, four rebounds, three blocks and a turnover in 13:23 minutes in the Magic's fourth loss in as many games in the NBA's preseason showcase.
The Magic have one last game to play on Saturday against the Boston Celtics.
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