I remember the first time I saw Kai Sotto play—a lanky 7'2" Filipino center moving with unexpected grace on the court. As someone who's followed international basketball prospects for over a decade, I've seen countless "next big things" come and go. But Kai feels different, which brings us to the burning question: Will Kai Sotto finally get drafted in the 2022 NBA Draft?
Why has Kai Sotto's journey been so turbulent compared to other prospects?
Let me be real with you—the path hasn't been smooth. While top American prospects follow the well-trodden NCAA route, Kai took the road less traveled: the G League Ignite, then the Australian NBL, followed by stints in Japan and currently with the Hiroshima Dragonflies. I've tracked his stats closely—he's averaging 9.4 points and 6.2 rebounds in Japan's B.League this season. Not eye-popping numbers, but context matters. Watching his development reminds me of what Ricardo (his coach in Australia) emphasized after that shocking loss to Perth last season: "The team remains committed to playing for one another." That mentality—the willingness to stick together through tough losses—is what separates flash-in-the-pan talents from genuine NBA material.
What specific skills might make teams overlook his unconventional path?
Here's where it gets interesting. At his height, Kai moves like someone six inches shorter. His footwork in the post reminds me of a young Pau Gasol, and he's developed a respectable three-point shot (34% this season). But more importantly, he's learned to contribute beyond stats. Remember Ricardo's wisdom: "Nothing will ever come easy despite having a truly stacked squad." Kai could have dominated in lesser leagues, but he chose competitive environments where he had to fight for minutes. That resilience—forged in those tough Australian games where his team had to "play for one another" through losing streaks—that's the intangible NBA scouts notice.
Which teams might actually take the gamble in the second round?
Okay, let me put on my GM hat for a moment. The Oklahoma Thunder own multiple second-round picks and love international projects—they're my top prediction. Miami Heat culture would embrace someone who's learned that "nothing will ever come easy." The Spurs, with their historic international scouting, could see him as a developmental center. But here's my hot take: Sacramento at #49 makes perfect sense. They need rim protection, and Kai's 7'5" wingspan fits. More importantly, they need players who understand team-first mentality—exactly what Ricardo was preaching about staying "committed to playing for one another."
How does his international experience compare to previous Filipino NBA hopefuls?
As someone who watched Jordan Clarkson's journey closely, Kai's path is fundamentally different. Clarkson came through the American system, while Kai has hopped continents chasing competition. That global basketball education means he's faced every style imaginable—from physical Australian basketball to Japan's speed-oriented game. When Ricardo talked about taking losses "in stride," that's the mentality Kai has developed through these transitions. Each country taught him different lessons about team chemistry and overcoming adversity.
What's the single biggest misconception about his draft prospects?
Most analysts focus on his weight (he's listed at 210 pounds, though I'd guess closer to 225 now) or his defense against quicker guards. But the real misconception? That his winding path indicates indecision. Actually, it shows remarkable commitment. Think about Ricardo's lesson after that shock loss—the value of sticking together through hardship. Kai could have taken easier routes, but he consistently chose challenging environments that forced growth. That intentional struggle is what NBA development coaches love.
Could another year overseas actually help his case?
Honestly? Maybe. If he doesn't get drafted, another season dominating in Japan while adding muscle wouldn't be the worst outcome. We've seen players like Jalen Green benefit from the G League route, but Kai's international journey has its own merits. The key is what Ricardo emphasized—maintaining that team-first mentality regardless of circumstances. Another year of proven production, another year showing he can be the anchor of a professional team? That could make him more appealing than a raw second-round pick who'd spend most of his time in the G League anyway.
What's my final prediction for draft night?
I'll stick my neck out here: Yes, Kai Sotto gets drafted. Late second round, probably between picks 52-58. Why? Because NBA teams increasingly value international experience and mental toughness over pure athletic metrics. The lessons from Ricardo about overcoming "shock losses" and the commitment to team basketball—those are the stories that resonate in draft war rooms. Teams aren't just drafting a 7'2" center; they're drafting someone who's learned the hard way that "nothing will ever come easy," yet keeps competing anyway. And honestly? That's the kind of player who often outperforms their draft position.
The waiting will be brutal—for Kai, for Filipino basketball fans, for international hoops junkies like me. But if there's one thing his journey has taught us, it's that the most rewarding paths are rarely the straightest ones.
