As I was scrolling through the official 2022 NBA Draft list, I couldn't help but pause and search specifically for one name—Kai Sotto. The 7'3" Filipino center has been on my radar since his early days, and like many basketball enthusiasts following international prospects, I found myself genuinely curious about his placement. The draft list, released by the NBA, showed Sotto wasn't among the 58 players selected in the two-round event, which honestly surprised me given the buzz around his potential. I've followed his journey closely, from his stints in the US to his international play, and I expected at least a late-round pick. But as I dug deeper into the situation, I realized his absence from the list isn't the end of the road; it's a pivotal moment that reflects both the challenges and opportunities for global talents breaking into the NBA.
Looking back at Sotto's recent interviews, one quote really stood out to me: "Typical na mindset pa rin to stay ready para sa opportunity na darating. Nakakatuwa ang coaching pero sumasabay ako sa kanila (AMA) just to maging fit," he said. "Nung dumating 'yung opportunity, hindi ko siya taken for granted. Hindi ko pinalagpas." This mindset, which translates to staying prepared for opportunities and not taking them for granted, speaks volumes about his character and approach. In my experience covering basketball prospects, I've seen many players falter when faced with setbacks, but Sotto's attitude suggests he's using this draft snub as fuel. He's been training with teams like the Orlando Magic and New York Knicks in pre-draft workouts, and from what I've gathered, he impressed with his mobility and shot-blocking—averaging around 12 points and 8 rebounds in some simulated games, though exact stats are hard to pin down. Personally, I think his height and skill set make him a solid fit for teams needing a developmental big man, and I'd bet on him landing a two-way contract or G League spot, perhaps with a squad like the Golden State Warriors who value international depth.
Now, let's talk team predictions. Based on my analysis of NBA rosters and recent trends, I see a few potential fits for Sotto. The Oklahoma City Thunder, for instance, have been stockpiling young talent and might take a flyer on him as a project center—they've got picks and flexibility to experiment. Another option could be the San Antonio Spurs, who have a history of nurturing international players; I recall their success with guys like Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili, and Sotto's work ethic reminds me of that mold. But honestly, I'm leaning toward the idea that he'll start in the G League to refine his game, maybe with the Ignite team where he can get more minutes against high-level competition. Some sources I've chatted with suggest he might even sign an Exhibit 10 contract, which would allow him to earn up to $50,000 if he sticks with an NBA team's affiliate. It's all speculation, of course, but I'm optimistic because his dedication, as he mentioned, means he won't let this opportunity slip away.
In conclusion, while Kai Sotto's name wasn't on the official 2022 NBA Draft list, I believe his journey is far from over. His mindset of staying ready and seizing chances, combined with his unique physical tools, positions him well for a breakthrough. From my perspective, the NBA is increasingly global, and players like Sotto bring a fresh dynamic that teams can't ignore. I'd love to see him prove the doubters wrong and make his mark, whether through a summer league invite or a roster spot by next season. After all, in basketball as in life, it's not just about where you start—it's about how you adapt and grow.
