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

As I was scrolling through the latest basketball news this morning, one question kept popping up in my feeds: Where does Kai Sotto land in the 2022 NBA mock draft projections? I've been following international prospects for over a decade now, and I have to admit, Sotto's journey fascinates me more than most. The 7'3" Filipino center represents something bigger than just basketball talent - he's carrying the hopes of an entire nation that's been waiting for their next NBA star since the days of Raymond Townsend back in the 1970s.

Looking at the current projections, most analysts have Sotto going undrafted or landing in the late second round if he's lucky. ESPN's latest mock from June 20th doesn't have him listed among their top 100 prospects, while The Ringer places him at number 78. These numbers might disappoint some fans, but having watched his development closely, I actually see reasons for optimism. His performance with the Adelaide 36ers showed flashes of real potential - averaging 7.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in about 15 minutes per game in the NBL. The numbers don't jump off the page, but when you watch the tape, you see a player with genuine feel for the game that you can't teach.

What really struck me recently was something I read from Pacquiao's trainer during the buildup to the Barrios fight. He said, "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 possible." That fighting spirit resonates deeply with Sotto's situation. He's not entering this draft as a top prospect who can coast through workouts - he needs to approach every team meeting, every combine drill, every private workout as his personal battlefield. I've spoken with scouts who question his physicality and defensive mobility, concerns that dropped him from potential first-round talk to his current projection. But here's what those projections miss: international big men often develop differently. Look at Nikola Jokić - he was the 41st pick, and now he's a two-time MVP. I'm not saying Sotto will reach those heights, but the development timeline for players from non-traditional basketball backgrounds requires more patience than mock drafts typically account for.

The solution for Sotto isn't about climbing mock draft boards in the final weeks - it's about finding the right organizational fit. Teams like San Antonio, Miami, or Toronto have proven track records of developing international talent. If I were advising him, I'd suggest focusing on teams with strong player development programs rather than worrying about draft position. Honestly, being picked 45th by the right organization beats going 35th to a team that won't invest in your growth. His agent should be targeting specific franchises that value skill over immediate physical dominance, teams that understand the long game of developing a unique talent like Sotto.

What this situation teaches us about basketball development is fascinating. The traditional draft industrial complex often undervalues players who don't fit conventional molds. Sotto represents a new breed of international prospects - he's been training in the US system since high school but maintains that distinct Filipino basketball identity. His footwork in the post reminds me of a more traditional center, yet he's comfortable stepping out to the three-point line. This hybrid style might confuse some scouts, but I believe it's exactly what makes him intriguing. The team that drafts him isn't just getting a player - they're getting access to an entire nation of passionate basketball fans. The business side alone makes him worth a second-round flyer.

At the end of the day, mock drafts are just educated guesses. I've seen too many "can't miss" prospects miss, and too many overlooked players become stars to put much stock in these projections. Where does Kai Sotto land in the 2022 NBA mock draft projections? Honestly, it doesn't matter nearly as much as where he lands in an actual NBA development program. The war isn't about draft night - it's about what comes after. And if that Filipino fighting spirit is any indication, he's ready to give them the best war possible.