I remember watching Kai Sotto's journey unfold from his early days in the Philippines, and like many basketball enthusiasts, I've been tracking his progress with bated breath. The question on everyone's mind as we approach the 2022 NBA Draft is whether this 7'3" center will finally hear his name called. Having followed international basketball prospects for over a decade, I've seen countless talented players navigate the challenging path to the NBA, but Sotto's situation feels particularly compelling given the unique circumstances surrounding his development and the recent performance of his team in Australia's NBL.
The Adelaide 36ers' recent shock loss to the Tasmania JackJumpers, despite being heavy favorites, reminded me of something crucial about team dynamics that applies directly to Sotto's draft prospects. Ricardo's post-game comments about staying committed to playing for one another resonate deeply here. I've always believed that basketball isn't just about individual talent—it's about how players respond to adversity, and Sotto has faced plenty of that during his unconventional path. After watching him develop through the years, I'm convinced his resilience might be his greatest asset heading into the draft. The way his team handled that unexpected defeat speaks volumes about the environment he's been developing in, and NBA scouts definitely notice these intangible qualities.
Looking at the practical side of things, Sotto's statistics with the 36ers show both promise and areas for growth. In his 23 games this season, he averaged 7.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks in about 15 minutes per game. While these numbers might not jump off the page, anyone who's watched him play knows his impact goes beyond traditional stats. His 2.3 offensive rebounds per game demonstrate his nose for the ball, and his 64% shooting from two-point range shows remarkable efficiency for a player his size. I've always been more impressed by efficiency than volume scoring, and Sotto's shooting percentages compare favorably to many big men who've successfully transitioned to the NBA.
The draft landscape this year presents both challenges and opportunities for international prospects like Sotto. With teams increasingly valuing versatile big men who can protect the rim and space the floor, Sotto's skill set aligns well with modern NBA needs. His three-point shooting—though limited in attempts at 28% this season—shows potential for development. Having studied draft patterns for years, I'm optimistic that at least one team will see the long-term value in drafting him, possibly in the second round. The Memphis Grizzlies, for instance, have shown interest in international projects before, and their development system could be perfect for Sotto's growth.
What really stands out to me about Sotto's situation is how it reflects the changing nature of player development. Gone are the days when prospects had to follow a predetermined path through American college basketball. Sotto's route—through the NBA G League Ignite and Australia's NBL—represents the new global pathway that I believe will become increasingly common. His experience against professional competition in Australia, where he faced grown men night after night, might actually give him an advantage over some college prospects who've only played against players their own age.
The mental aspect of Sotto's journey cannot be overstated. Ricardo's reminder that "nothing will ever come easy despite having a truly stacked squad" applies perfectly to Sotto's individual situation. At just 20 years old, he's already faced more scrutiny and pressure than most players experience in their entire careers. From my perspective, having watched numerous prospects crumble under similar expectations, Sotto's ability to maintain his composure and continue developing speaks volumes about his character. NBA teams don't just draft talent—they draft people, and Sotto's perseverance through adversity might be what ultimately convinces a team to take a chance on him.
As draft night approaches, I find myself more bullish on Sotto's chances than many analysts. While some mock drafts have him going undrafted, my gut feeling based on watching similar situations unfold over the years tells me a team will select him in the late second round. The potential reward outweighs the risk at that point in the draft, and Sotto's unique combination of size, skill, and international experience makes him an intriguing prospect. The team that drafts him will need patience—he's likely not ready for significant NBA minutes immediately—but with proper development, I believe he could become a valuable rotation player within two to three seasons.
Ultimately, whether Sotto gets drafted comes down to which team values potential over immediate production. Having followed his career closely, I'm convinced his ceiling remains remarkably high, and his journey through different leagues and systems has prepared him for the challenges of professional basketball better than many realize. The lessons from his team's recent struggles—about commitment and perseverance—might just be the intangible factors that push an NBA team to make that fateful selection on draft night.
