Where Is Kai Sotto on the 2022 NBA Draft List? Full Updates & Analysis

2025-11-04 19:15

As I sit here scrolling through the latest 2022 NBA Draft projections, one name keeps catching my eye - Kai Sotto. The 7'2" Filipino center has been on my radar since his early days in the US development system, and I've been tracking his journey with genuine interest. Currently, most mock drafts I've analyzed have him going undrafted, which honestly surprises me given his unique skill set for a player of his size. ESPN's latest big board doesn't even feature him in their top 100 prospects, while The Athletic's Sam Vecenie has him completely off the board in his most recent update. This positioning feels somewhat disappointing to me, especially considering his performance in the NBA G League where he averaged 7.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game for the Ignite team.

What really stands out to me about Sotto's approach is his mindset, which he recently expressed in an interview that resonated with my own philosophy about professional development. "Typical na mindset pa rin to stay ready para sa opportunity na darating. Nakakatuwa ang coaching pero sumasabay ako sa kanila (AMA) just to maging fit," he said, adding "Nung dumating 'yung opportunity, hindi ko siya taken for granted. Hindi ko pinalagpas." This readiness mentality is something I've always believed separates successful athletes from those who fade away. In my years covering basketball prospects, I've noticed that players who maintain this attitude often outperform their draft positions. Sotto's commitment to staying prepared while training with AMA shows a maturity that many 19-year-olds lack, and I think this could work significantly in his favor even if he goes undrafted.

Looking at his physical development, I'm impressed by how his body has transformed - he's added approximately 15 pounds of muscle since last season, now weighing around 235 pounds. While he still needs to get stronger to battle NBA big men, his mobility at that height is truly exceptional. His wingspan, measured at 7'5" at the G League combine, gives him defensive potential that I believe teams are underestimating. Offensively, his touch around the basket - he shot 54% from two-point range - demonstrates soft hands and good finishing ability. His three-point shooting needs work at 28%, but the foundation is there for a modern NBA center.

The international factor plays heavily into his draft stock, in my opinion. Teams might be hesitant to use a draft pick on a player they perceive as a "stash" prospect, but I think this is short-sighted. Having watched numerous international players develop into NBA contributors, Sotto's pathway reminds me somewhat of Ivica Zubac's journey, though their games are quite different. The global game has evolved so much that skills translate better than ever before, and Sotto's experience playing in multiple countries gives him an adaptability that I value highly in prospects.

Personally, I'd take a flier on him in the second round if I were an NBA GM. His ceiling as a rotational big who can protect the rim and score in the pick-and-roll is worth the investment. Even if he goes undrafted, which appears increasingly likely based on my conversations with scouts, I'm confident he'll get summer league invites and potentially a two-way contract. His story isn't about where he gets drafted but about the journey afterward. The NBA has seen numerous undrafted players carve out meaningful careers recently, and Sotto's combination of size, skill, and that prepared mindset he talked about could make him the next success story. Whatever happens on draft night, I'll be watching his career with great interest - sometimes the most compelling stories aren't about first-round picks but about players who defy expectations through perseverance and preparation.