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

As I sip my morning coffee and scroll through basketball forums, one question keeps popping up: where will Kai Sotto land in the 2022 NBA mock draft predictions? Having followed international basketball prospects for over a decade, I've developed a sixth sense for spotting potential NBA talent, and Kai's journey fascinates me more than most. The 7'3" Filipino center represents something rare - not just a basketball player, but a nation's dream. I remember watching his early games with Rising Asia in 2021, thinking this kid could either become the Philippines' first legitimate NBA star since Jordan Clarkson or join the long list of "what could have been" stories.

The numbers tell part of the story - his 12.4 points and 8.6 rebounds per game in Australia's NBL don't jump off the page, but his 2.1 blocks show the defensive potential that makes scouts take notice. What the stats don't capture is how his game has evolved since he left home at 17 to pursue this dream. I've tracked dozens of international prospects, and Kai's development path reminds me somewhat of Kristaps Porziņģis - not in playing style necessarily, but in that unconventional route to the draft that either creates diamonds or reveals fundamental flaws. His decision to play for Adelaide rather than take the college route showed either incredible confidence or miscalculation - I'm still not sure which.

This brings me to that fascinating quote from Manny Pacquiao's trainer that's been stuck in my head: "Sabi nga nila giyera kung giyera, ibibigay natin ang pinakamagandang giyera para sa kanila." Roughly translated, it means "If it's war they want, we'll give them the best war possible." That fighting spirit perfectly captures Kai's approach to the pre-draft process. He's not backing down from competition - he's embracing the battle. I've spoken with scouts who question his physicality, but they all acknowledge his undeniable skill set for someone his size. His footwork in the post reminds me of a younger Marc Gasol, though he needs to add about 25 pounds of muscle to withstand NBA centers.

The mock draft predictions vary wildly - I've seen him anywhere from late first round to completely undrafted, which tells you how divided opinions are. Personally, I think he'll land somewhere between picks 45-55, likely with a team that can afford to develop him in the G-League for a season or two. Teams like Oklahoma City or San Antonio make sense to me - organizations with patience and development track records. The Raptors at pick 33 could be a perfect fit if they're willing to use a higher selection, though I doubt they will. What fascinates me about Kai's draft position isn't just where he lands, but how teams are evaluating international big men differently post-Jokic. The success of unconventional centers has created opportunities that didn't exist five years ago.

Looking at potential solutions for his development, I'd argue he needs exactly what he's been getting - consistent playing time against physical competition. Some analysts suggest he should have stayed another year in Australia, but I disagree. The NBA's development system, particularly the G-League's focus on individual skill work, could accelerate his growth in ways international leagues can't match. If I were advising him, I'd emphasize strength training above all else - not just weight room work, but learning how to use his length more effectively defensively. His offensive game is further along than many realize, but defense wins NBA rotation spots.

The broader implication here extends beyond Kai Sotto to international prospects everywhere. His journey demonstrates that there's no single path to the NBA anymore. The traditional college route works for some, but for unique talents from basketball-crazy nations, alternative paths can be equally valid. What I find most inspiring is how he's carrying the hopes of Philippine basketball while navigating this incredibly pressure-filled process. Whether he becomes a star or a role player, he's already changed how Asian prospects view their NBA chances. As that fighting quote suggests, sometimes the battle itself - how you approach the challenge - matters as much as the outcome. Wherever he lands on draft night, Kai Sotto has already given Filipino basketball fans the "best war possible" in his quest to reach the world's top basketball stage.