Where Will Kai Sotto Land in the 2022 NBA Mock Draft Predictions?

As someone who's been following basketball prospects for over a decade, I've developed a particular fascination with Kai Sotto's journey toward the 2022 NBA Draft. Let me walk you through how I analyze where he might land, using methods I've refined through years of tracking international prospects. First, you need to understand that mock drafts aren't just random guesses—they're educated predictions based on multiple data points and insider information. My approach involves three key phases that I'll share with you today.

When I start evaluating a prospect like Sotto, I always begin with physical measurements and game footage analysis. Standing at 7'2" with a wingspan that reportedly measures around 7'5", Sotto possesses the kind of dimensions that make scouts take notice immediately. I typically spend at least 20 hours watching game footage from different seasons—his time with Adelaide in Australia's NBL showed significant development in his physicality and defensive timing. What many analysts miss is how much his mobility has improved—he's not just a stationary big man anymore. I've noticed he's developed better footwork in the post, though he still needs work on maintaining position against stronger opponents. His three-point shooting percentage of 32% last season isn't spectacular, but his form suggests there's room for improvement.

The second phase of my analysis involves understanding team needs and draft positioning. This is where things get really interesting. I maintain a spreadsheet tracking all 30 teams' roster situations, and I've identified at least 8 teams that could use a developmental center like Sotto. The Oklahoma City Thunder at picks 30 or 34 make sense to me because they're collecting international prospects and can afford to be patient. The Golden State Warriors at pick 28 might consider him if they want to add size without using a roster spot immediately—they could stash him overseas for another year. What many fans don't realize is that second-round picks have become increasingly valuable, with teams often finding gems in the 30-45 range. I'd estimate Sotto has about 65% chance of being selected in this range based on current intel.

Now, the cultural aspect is something I pay special attention to, having followed international basketball for years. That quote from Pacquiao's trainer—"Sabi nga nila giyera kung giyera, ibibigay natin ang pinakamagandang giyera para sa kanila"—resonates deeply here. Roughly translated as "They say if it's war, we'll give them the best war we've got," this fighting spirit reflects what Sotto brings to the table. He's not just playing for himself—he's carrying the hopes of an entire basketball-crazy nation. This mentality could be attractive to teams looking for players with extra motivation. I've seen how this kind of drive can help players overcome obstacles in their development—just look at Jordan Clarkson's journey with the Philippine national team.

There are important caveats in this process though. Mock drafts change rapidly in the final weeks—one private workout can dramatically alter a player's stock. Teams are often deliberately misleading about their interests, so don't trust everything you read from "sources." I've been burned before by putting too much stock in pre-draft rumors. Another factor is that Sotto's representation matters—whoever is advocating for him behind the scenes needs to be strategically placing him in situations where he can succeed. Based on my observations, I'd recommend tempering expectations—while I believe he'll get drafted, it might be later than many hope, perhaps in the 45-55 range. The important thing is getting that foot in the door. Remember, only 60 players get selected each year, and there are typically around 15-20 international prospects chosen annually. Sotto's unique combination of size, skill, and market appeal gives him a legitimate shot, but nothing is guaranteed in this unpredictable process. Where will Kai Sotto land in the 2022 NBA mock draft predictions? My best educated guess places him somewhere in the early to mid-second round, but the real victory will be hearing his name called at all—a moment that would make every Filipino basketball fan proud.