Will Kai Sotto Get Drafted? 2022 NBA Mock Draft Analysis and Predictions

As I sit here watching basketball highlights, one question keeps popping up in my mind: Will Kai Sotto get drafted in the 2022 NBA Draft? This isn't just another basketball analysis for me - as someone who's followed international basketball prospects for over a decade, I've developed a personal investment in seeing Filipino talent break through to the world's premier basketball league.

What makes Kai Sotto's draft journey so compelling?

At 7'2" with guard-like skills, Sotto represents something we rarely see - a genuine unicorn prospect from the Philippines. Having watched his development since his teenage years, I've noticed how his game has evolved from being purely skilled to incorporating more physical elements. The numbers speak for themselves: in his last season with the Adelaide 36ers, he averaged 7.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in just 15 minutes per game. Those aren't eye-popping stats, but when you consider his limited minutes and the quality of Australia's NBL, they're actually quite promising.

How does the boxing quote relate to basketball drafting?

This is where it gets interesting for me. When I think about Sotto's situation, I keep coming back to that powerful Filipino boxing quote: "Sabi nga nila giyera kung giyera, ibibigay natin ang pinakamagandang giyera para sa kanila." Roughly translated, it means "If they want war, we'll give them the best war." This mentality perfectly captures what Sotto needs to bring to the pre-draft process. Just like in boxing, the NBA Draft is a battle where prospects must demonstrate they're ready for the highest level of competition. The question of "Will Kai Sotto Get Drafted?" hinges on whether he can show teams he's prepared for that war.

What are his actual chances in the 2022 NBA Mock Draft?

Looking at various mock drafts, I've noticed Sotto typically falls in that 45-60 range, which puts him squarely in second-round territory. Personally, I think he's being undervalued. Having analyzed draft prospects for years, I believe his combination of size (that legitimate 7'2" frame isn't something you can teach) and skill gives him a higher ceiling than many analysts acknowledge. The 2022 NBA Mock Draft Analysis and Predictions often slot him as a potential stash candidate, but I think he could contribute sooner than people expect.

Why should teams take a chance on him?

Let me be honest here - I'm higher on Sotto than most analysts. His mobility at that height is exceptional, and I've tracked his three-point shooting improvement from 28% to 34% over the past two seasons. That shooting touch, combined with his natural feel for the game, makes him a fascinating modern big man prospect. When considering "Will Kai Sotto Get Drafted?" teams should look beyond the raw numbers and see the developmental trajectory.

How does the Filipino fighting spirit factor in?

This brings me back to that boxing quote. Having watched numerous Filipino athletes throughout my career, I've noticed a common thread - that relentless spirit, that willingness to "give them the best war." Sotto carries this same mentality, and in my conversations with people close to him, they emphasize how he's embraced the challenge rather than shrinking from it. In the context of our discussion about Will Kai Sotto Get Drafted, this intangible quality might be what separates him from other borderline prospects.

What's the most likely outcome?

If I'm being completely transparent with my prediction, I believe Sotto will hear his name called in the second round. The talent is there, the physical tools are undeniable, and the potential market appeal of having the first Filipino-born NBA player shouldn't be underestimated. My gut feeling, based on watching countless drafts, is that a team like Golden State at #55 or Cleveland at #56 might take that calculated risk.

Final thoughts from my perspective

After all my research and observation, I'm convinced the answer to "Will Kai Sotto Get Drafted?" is yes. The journey won't be easy - nothing worthwhile ever is - but that Filipino fighting spirit, that commitment to giving "the best war" when war is demanded, gives me confidence he'll not only get drafted but eventually carve out a meaningful NBA career. The 2022 NBA Mock Draft Analysis and Predictions might not always reflect it, but sometimes you need to look beyond the conventional wisdom and trust what you see. And what I see is a special talent ready for his moment.