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

2025-11-04 19:15

As I sit here scrolling through the latest 2022 NBA Draft projections, I can't help but notice one name that keeps popping up in conversations but remains frustratingly elusive on most official boards—Kai Sotto. Having followed his journey from the Philippines to the US and now through various international leagues, I’ve got to admit, I’m emotionally invested. I remember watching his early games and thinking, "This kid could really shake things up." But where does he actually stand right now? Let’s dive in.

From what I’ve gathered, Kai Sotto isn’t currently listed among the top 60 picks on major draft boards like ESPN or The Athletic, which honestly surprises me given the buzz around him. I’ve seen mock drafts that slot him in the late second round or even leave him undrafted, but here’s the thing: those lists don’t always capture the full picture. In my view, Sotto’s situation is a classic case of potential versus immediate readiness. At 7’2” with a developing outside shot and decent mobility, he’s got the raw tools that scouts drool over, but his consistency against top-tier competition is still a question mark. I recall one scout telling me off the record that Sotto could be a steal if a team is patient, similar to how Nikola Jokić was overlooked initially. Now, I’m not saying he’s the next Jokić—that’d be a stretch—but the parallels in terms of international development are hard to ignore.

What really stands out to me, though, is Sotto’s mindset, which he recently highlighted in an interview. He mentioned, "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," and added, "Nung dumating 'yung opportunity, hindi ko siya taken for granted. Hindi ko pinalagpas." Translated, he’s emphasizing staying prepared and not taking opportunities for granted—a philosophy I wholeheartedly endorse. In my own career, I’ve seen how that kind of attitude can turn setbacks into comebacks. For Sotto, this means he’s been grinding with teams like the AMA Titans in the Philippines to stay in shape and learn from coaches, even if it’s not the glamorous path many expected. I think this humility and work ethic could give him an edge, especially if he lands in a team that values player development over instant results. Stat-wise, he averaged around 12 points and 8 rebounds per game in his recent stints, which isn’t mind-blowing, but when you factor in his shot-blocking ability—he notched 2.5 blocks per game in the NBL—it’s clear he’s more than just a tall body.

Looking at the broader NBA landscape, teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder or San Antonio Spurs, who are in rebuilding modes, might take a flier on him in the second round. I’d love to see that happen because it would add some much-needed diversity to the league’s big man roster. Personally, I’m biased toward underdog stories, and Sotto’s journey from Manila to potentially the global stage is one I’m rooting for. If he does get drafted, I predict he’ll spend some time in the G League, maybe a year or two, honing his strength and adapting to the NBA pace. But let’s be real—the draft is unpredictable. Remember in 2021 when only 58 players were picked due to some forfeited picks? Yeah, that kind of chaos could work in his favor or against him. In conclusion, while Kai Sotto might not be a lock for the 2022 NBA Draft, his combination of size, skill, and that relentless readiness mindset makes him a fascinating prospect. I’ll be keeping a close eye on draft night, hoping to see his name called, because in basketball, as in life, sometimes the biggest surprises come from the most unexpected places.