NBA Mock Draft 2022: Where Kai Sotto Could Land in Professional Basketball

I remember watching Kai Sotto's early games in the NBA G League and thinking this kid has something special. Standing at 7'3" with surprisingly smooth movement for his size, he represents the Philippines' best shot at having their first homegrown player in the NBA since the legendary Raymond Townsend back in the 1970s. The 2022 NBA Draft is just around the corner, and mock drafts have been all over the place regarding where Sotto might land - if he gets drafted at all. Some projections have him going late second round, while others don't feature him at all, which honestly feels like a massive oversight to me.

What many scouts might not fully appreciate is the fighting spirit that Filipino athletes bring to the table. I was reminded of this when I came across that powerful quote from Manny Pacquiao's trainer: "Sabi nga nila giyera kung giyera, ibibigay natin ang pinakamagandang giyera para sa kanila." Roughly translated, it means "As they say, if it's war they want, we'll give them the best war possible." This mentality perfectly captures the heart that Sotto brings to the court every single game. Having followed his journey from the Philippines to the G League Ignite team, I've seen how he's constantly improved his game against top competition. His averages of 7.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game in the G League might not jump off the page, but his impact goes beyond basic stats.

The teams that make the most sense for Sotto in my opinion are organizations with strong development programs and international scouting presence. The Oklahoma City Thunder come to mind immediately - they've shown willingness to draft international prospects and have multiple second-round picks. The San Antonio Spurs also have that international pipeline that could benefit a player like Sotto. Honestly, I think his ceiling is higher than many analysts suggest because he's shown consistent improvement in his physicality and outside shooting. Remember when he hit three three-pointers in that showcase game against Santa Cruz? That's the kind of versatility that could surprise people at the next level.

Looking at potential landing spots, teams like Toronto, Miami, or Dallas could use a developmental big man who can stretch the floor. Sotto's 38% shooting from beyond the arc in his final G League stretch shows he's not just a traditional center. The modern NBA values exactly what he brings - size with shooting touch and rim protection. Some mock drafts have him going undrafted, which would be a shame considering players with far less potential get selected every year. I've watched enough basketball to know when a player has that special combination of physical tools and work ethic, and Sotto checks both boxes.

The path won't be easy, but if there's one thing I've learned from watching Filipino athletes like Pacquiao, it's that they thrive when counted out. That warrior mentality his trainer spoke about - giving them the best war possible - could be exactly what makes Sotto an unexpected steal in this draft. Whether he gets selected at pick 52 or has to take the two-way contract route, I'm convinced we haven't seen the last of Kai Sotto's basketball journey. The NBA would be lucky to have him, and frankly, they'd be missing out if they let this opportunity pass.