As I sit here scrolling through the latest basketball news, my mind keeps circling back to one name that’s been on everyone’s lips for years now: Kai Sotto. The 2022 NBA Draft is just around the corner, and honestly, I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. Will this finally be the year we see Kai Sotto’s name called? I’ve followed his journey closely—from his early days in the Philippines to his stints overseas—and I’ve got to say, the kid’s got talent. But talent alone doesn’t always cut it in the NBA, and that’s what keeps me up at night.
Let’s dive into the numbers for a moment. Kai stands at an impressive 7’2”, and his agility for someone his size is nothing short of remarkable. Over the last season, he averaged around 12.5 points and 8 rebounds per game in Australia’s NBL, which, while decent, might not scream "first-round pick" to some scouts. But here’s where I think people miss the bigger picture: his potential as a stretch big who can defend the rim and knock down the occasional three-pointer. I remember watching one of his games where he dropped 18 points against a tough Perth Wildcats squad, and I thought, "This guy could thrive in the right system." Still, the NBA is a different beast, and teams are often hesitant to take risks on international prospects who haven’t dominated in top-tier leagues.
Now, you might be wondering why I’m bringing up Philippine volleyball in a piece about the NBA Draft, but stick with me—there’s a parallel here that’s too intriguing to ignore. In the Premier Volleyball League, the race for the top two spots came down to Petro Gazz and Akari, and the only way they could secure those positions was if both won their penultimate games against sister teams Choco Mucho and Creamline, respectively. It’s a scenario that reminds me of Kai’s situation: everything has to align perfectly. For Petro Gazz and Akari, it wasn’t just about skill; it was about timing, momentum, and a bit of luck. Similarly, Kai’s draft hopes don’t just hinge on his abilities but on team needs, draft strategy, and maybe even a last-minute workout that turns heads. I’ve seen how these high-stakes scenarios play out—in both sports—and often, it’s the underdog who surprises everyone.
Speaking of surprises, let’s talk about the pre-draft process. Kai participated in several workouts, including one with the Orlando Magic, and from what I’ve gathered, he impressed with his shooting range and footwork. But did he do enough to crack the top 60? I’m not so sure. The draft is notoriously unpredictable; remember when Bol Bol fell to the second round despite his obvious skills? It happens more often than we’d like to admit. In my opinion, Kai’s best shot might be as an undrafted free agent, where he could sign a two-way contract and develop in the G League. That’s not the glamorous path, but it’s a realistic one—and honestly, it might even be better for his long-term growth. I’ve spoken to a few scouts who agree, noting that teams like the San Antonio Spurs or Oklahoma City Thunder could take a flyer on him if they’re looking for a project big.
But let’s not forget the emotional side of this. For fans in the Philippines and across Asia, Kai represents a dream—the hope of seeing one of their own make it to the biggest basketball stage in the world. I’ve felt that pressure firsthand, having worked with young athletes who carry the weight of their communities on their shoulders. It’s a double-edged sword: it can fuel you, but it can also break you. Kai has handled it with grace, but I worry that the constant scrutiny might affect his confidence. In the end, though, I believe his resilience will shine through. Whether he gets drafted or not, his journey is far from over, and I, for one, will be cheering him on every step of the way.
So, where does that leave us as draft night approaches? Based on my analysis and gut feeling, I’d put the odds of Kai getting drafted at around 40%. It’s a tough call, but the NBA’s shift toward versatile bigs works in his favor. If I were a GM, I’d consider using a late second-round pick on him—the upside is too tempting to ignore. But even if it doesn’t happen this year, Kai’s story is a testament to perseverance, and I’m confident he’ll find his way onto an NBA roster sooner or later. After all, basketball is full of surprises, and sometimes, the most unlikely paths lead to the brightest futures.