Where Does Kai Sotto Land in the Latest 2022 NBA Mock Draft Projections?

As I was scrolling through the latest 2022 NBA mock drafts this week, one name kept catching my eye—Kai Sotto. You know, the 7'3" Filipino center who's been turning heads in the NBA G League? I've been following his journey closely, partly because I'm a huge basketball fan, and partly because his story reminds me of that powerful quote from Manny Pacquiao's trainer during the Pacquiao-Barrios press conference: "Sabi nga nila giyera kung giyera, ibibigay natin ang pinakamagandang giyera para sa kanila." Roughly translated, it means "When it's war, we'll give them the best war we've got"—and honestly, that's exactly the energy Sotto brings to the court.

Let me paint you a picture of where things stand right now. Most mock drafts I've checked—from ESPN to Bleacher Report—have Sotto hovering around the late second round, somewhere between picks 48 and 58. Now, I know what some skeptics might say: "That's not exactly lottery pick territory." But here's the thing—when you're a 19-year-old from the Philippines trying to break into the most competitive basketball league in the world, every spot matters. I remember watching his G League games with the Ignite team, and there were moments when he absolutely dominated the paint against players who were already NBA-bound. His stats might not always jump off the page—he averaged about 7.5 points and 6 rebounds in 25 games—but his impact goes beyond numbers. That wingspan of nearly 7'5"? That's something you can't teach.

What really stands out to me is how Sotto embodies that "give them the best war" mentality. Think about it—he left home at 17 to pursue his NBA dream, facing criticism and homesickness along the way. I've spoken with scouts who compare his development path to a longer-term project, similar to what we saw with players like Ivica Zubac or Jakob Poeltl. They weren't instant stars either, but they carved out solid NBA careers through persistence. The way Sotto moves on defense—those timing blocks and altered shots—reminds me why international big men often become valuable assets. Teams like the Golden State Warriors or Miami Heat, who prioritize development systems, might see him as the perfect late-round gamble.

There's this one play I'll never forget from his G League season—Sotto trailing a fast break, catching an alley-oop that seemed impossible for anyone his size, and finishing with that soft touch he's known for. It's those flashes of brilliance that make me believe he could outperform his draft position. Sure, he needs to bulk up—at 235 pounds, he's still lighter than established NBA centers—but his basketball IQ has improved dramatically. I'd argue he's already better prepared than 60% of international prospects we've seen in recent drafts.

The truth is, mock drafts are educated guesses at best. I've seen players projected in the second round who never got called, and undrafted players who became rotation staples. For Sotto, it's not just about where he lands, but what happens after. If he brings that "pinakamagandang giyera" mindset—that willingness to fight for every rebound, defend every possession like it's his last—some team is going to get a steal. Personally, I'd take him over several American college big men who are getting more hype. There's something special about international players who've had to overcome more obstacles—they play with an extra chip on their shoulder. So while the mock drafts might show him going late, don't be surprised if we look back in five years and wonder how 29 teams passed on Kai Sotto.