Yes, I, too was disappointed that our local mNBA aspirant Kai Sotto did not play a single minute in his supposed debut as a member of the Orlando Magic now seeing in the Las Vegas Summer League.
Detroit outlasted Orlando 89-78 but some of the Magic’s support still heaped praises for the young team’s performance.
Anyway, that was a coach’ decision – a prerogative that cannot be questioned inasmuch as Kai is still an unproven commodity in the NBA world.
Who knows if in the ensuing matches scheduled for Orlando, coach Jamahl Mosley might tinker sending in Kai for a couple of minutes on the floor and discover for himself how his reed thin 7’3” center would fare against more seasoned counterparts.
A trying time it is for our beanpole shotblocker and he needs to be diligent and patient.
Remember that Miami’s Gabe Vincent did not shine outright for the Heat (Austin Reeves, likewise, for the purple and gold squad in LA). He was undrafted four years ago but look where he is now. The Lakers took interest in him and he was signed for the upcoming season for a starting spot alongside Lebron James and AD.
Should Kai remain unsigned umtil the Summer League ends, he bettter be resolutely prepared to suit up with Gilas. He will be scouted in the FIBA World Championships in August and If he gets a passing grade, he could find himself suiting up for one NBA ballclub in time for the 2023-24 opening in November.
MAGNUS CARLSEN TERRIFIES ‘EM ALL
When the former world chess champion is playing, you can’t help but spend late nights watching him push pawns and defeat his opponents in creative style.
In the just concluded third leg of the Grand Chess Tour in Croatia, the Norwegian whiz clobbered everyone – Ian Nepo, Fabiano Caruana, Alireza Firouzja, Jan Krzystof Duda, plus ex-world champ Vishy Anand et al – elite GMs all – enroute to a 9-of-9 consecutive wins on Day 1 of the 18-round Blitz portion.
I’ve never seen Carlsen so relaxed and appeared almost like in a playful mood but any chess enthusiast monitoring his games will discover that the guy is simply the best of them all.
Magnus took home the tournament’s $40,000 first prize.
GM Wesley So did not see action in this particular tournament but he will vie anew in the GCC’s last two contests – the Sinquefield Rapid and Blitz and the Sinquefield Cup, both in November.
FIDE has approved and recognized the GCC Rapid and Blitz initially advocated and organized by former world kingpin Garry Kasparov. These are over-the-board face-to-face duels.
Although Carlsen abdicated his throne that catapulted a new world champion in China’s Ding Liren a couple of months ago, interestingly, his inspired play in Croatia tells me he will be back in the Candidates Matches to challenge anew for the 2025 world title. (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
