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

As I sit here scrolling through the latest 2022 NBA mock draft projections, I can’t help but wonder—where does Kai Sotto actually land in all of this? It’s a question that’s been on my mind for months, especially as I follow his journey from afar. I remember watching clips of his games in the NBL and thinking, this kid has something special. But the draft is a different beast altogether. You’ve got scouts, analysts, and fans all weighing in, and the projections seem to shift almost daily. From what I’ve gathered, most mock drafts have him hovering around the late second round, maybe even going undrafted, but I honestly think that’s underestimating his potential. At 7’2” with a developing outside shot and decent mobility, he brings a unique skill set that not many big men in this draft can match. Still, the road isn’t easy, and it reminds me of something I once heard from a veteran Filipino trainer, who said, "Sabi nga nila giyera kung giyera, ibibigay natin ang pinakamagandang giyera para sa kanila." Loosely translated, it means, "As they say, if it’s war, we’ll give them the best war possible." That phrase really stuck with me because it captures the spirit of Filipino athletes—resilient, passionate, and ready to fight against the odds.

Looking at Kai’s situation, I see that same fighting spirit. He’s not just another prospect; he’s carrying the hopes of a basketball-crazy nation of over 110 million people. I’ve followed his stats closely—in the 2021-22 NBL season, he averaged around 7.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, which might not jump off the page, but his per-36-minute numbers show more promise, something like 12 points and 7 rebounds if he had consistent minutes. And let’s not forget his performance in the G League Ignite, where he held his own against top-tier talent. But here’s the thing: mock drafts often focus on immediate impact, and Kai is more of a project. Teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder or San Antonio Spurs, who are known for developing raw talent, could be perfect fits. I’ve chatted with a few fellow fans online, and many agree that his ceiling is high—maybe even All-Star level in 5-6 years if he bulks up and refines his defense. Personally, I’d love to see him land with a team that values international players, like the Denver Nuggets or Dallas Mavericks, where he could learn from veterans without the pressure of starting right away.

Of course, there are risks. His lateral quickness needs work, and he’s struggled with consistency against physical big men. But when I think back to that trainer’s words, it’s clear that Kai is approaching this as his own "giyera"—his own war. He’s been training relentlessly, and I read somewhere that he added 15 pounds of muscle in the offseason, which should help him bang inside more effectively. In my opinion, if he slips past the second round, it’ll be a huge mistake by NBA teams. I mean, look at players like Nikola Jokić or Domantas Sabonis—they weren’t top picks either, but they blossomed with patience and the right system. Kai could follow a similar path, especially if he lands in a situation that emphasizes skill development over immediate results. From a fan’s perspective, I’m rooting for him to defy the odds and make it, not just for his sake, but to inspire the next generation of Filipino ballers.

So, circling back to the original question—where does Kai Sotto land in the 2022 NBA mock draft projections? Based on my research and gut feeling, I’d say he’s likely a mid-to-late second-round pick, maybe around the 45-55 range. But mock drafts are just projections; the real test comes on draft night. Whatever happens, I believe he’ll give it his all, embodying that warrior mindset. After all, as that trainer wisely put it, you give your best fight when it matters most. And for Kai, this draft is his battlefield. Let’s hope he comes out on top and proves the doubters wrong.