Will Kai Sotto Be Drafted in the 2022 NBA Draft? Latest Updates and Predictions

As I sit here scrolling through the latest mock drafts and player rankings, one name keeps popping up in conversations among basketball enthusiasts and analysts alike: Kai Sotto. The question on everyone's mind—and one I've been pondering for months—is whether this young Filipino phenom will hear his name called in the 2022 NBA Draft. Having followed international basketball prospects for over a decade, I can confidently say that Sotto's journey is unlike any I've seen recently. Standing at 7'2" with a guard's skill set, he embodies the modern big man archetype that NBA teams are desperately searching for. But the path from promising prospect to drafted player is fraught with uncertainty, especially for international talents navigating the complex draft process.

I remember first watching Sotto during the 2021 NBA G League Ignite season, where he averaged 7.5 points and 6 rebounds in just under 20 minutes per game. Those numbers might not jump off the page, but his per-36 minute projections—approximately 13.5 points and 10.8 rebounds—paint a clearer picture of his potential impact. What impressed me most wasn't just his statistical production but his clear development trajectory. Having covered numerous international prospects throughout my career, I've noticed that the ones who succeed often share certain characteristics: coachability, work ethic, and that intangible "feel" for the game. From what I've observed, Sotto checks all these boxes and then some.

The recent comments from PTTF president Ting Ledesma about the federation's grassroots program developing young players resonate deeply with me. Ledesma stated, "The future is bright for our national team as it is now reaping the fruits of the PTTF's grassroots program. We look forward to competing in more competitions that will further develop our young players." This institutional support matters more than casual observers might realize. I've seen how proper development systems can transform raw talent into NBA-ready prospects. Sotto's path—from the Philippines to the G League and various international competitions—demonstrates exactly the kind of diverse experience that Ledesma envisions for Filipino basketball development.

When I analyze Sotto's game, several strengths stand out immediately. His mobility for a player of his height is exceptional—he runs the floor like a wing and possesses soft hands around the rim. His shooting touch extends out to the three-point line, though his percentage from deep (around 28% in his professional career) needs improvement. Defensively, he's a legitimate rim protector who averaged 1.8 blocks per 36 minutes in the G League. These attributes make him an intriguing prospect in today's pace-and-space NBA. However, I must acknowledge the concerns I've heard from NBA scouts about his strength and physicality. At 210 pounds, he needs to add significant muscle to battle with NBA centers, something I believe he can achieve with access to NBA-level strength and conditioning programs.

The draft landscape this year presents both opportunities and challenges for Sotto. Most mock drafts I've studied have him going anywhere from late second round to undrafted, with ESPN's latest projection placing him at pick 58. Personally, I think he's better than several big men projected ahead of him, particularly those one-dimensional traditional centers who don't fit the modern game. Having watched countless hours of draft prospects, I've developed a keen eye for international talent, and Sotto's combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ is rarer than many realize. Teams like the Golden State Warriors (picks 51 and 57) or San Antonio Spurs (pick 38) strike me as ideal fits—organizations known for developing raw talent and implementing systems where skilled bigs can thrive.

What many don't appreciate is how much Sotto has improved in just the past two years. His footwork in the post has become more sophisticated, his decision-making quicker, and his defensive positioning much smarter. I recall watching him in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers where he dominated with 18 points and 9 rebounds against South Korea—a performance that showcased his ability against quality competition. These international experiences, combined with his G League stint, have accelerated his development in ways that staying in the Philippine collegiate system never could. This global basketball education reminds me of what Ledesma emphasized about competing in more competitions to develop young players—Sotto is living proof that this approach works.

The business side of basketball cannot be ignored either. Drafting Sotto would instantly give a team access to the massive Philippine basketball market, with its population of over 110 million passionate fans. From a pure basketball perspective, I believe he's worth a second-round flier, but when you factor in marketing potential, he becomes an even more valuable asset. Teams struggling with international recognition could benefit tremendously from having the first Filipino-born NBA player on their roster. I've seen how international players can transform a team's global footprint—just look at the impact Yao Ming had on the Houston Rockets' brand in China.

As draft night approaches, I find myself more optimistic about Sotto's chances than most analysts. While he certainly has areas to improve—particularly his lower body strength and consistency from three-point range—the foundation is there for him to develop into a legitimate NBA rotation player. His unique combination of size and skill doesn't grow on trees, and NBA teams are always searching for that next unicorn big man. The development system that Ledesma described, which has nurtured Sotto from his early days, provides him with a support structure that many international prospects lack. Having followed hundreds of draft prospects throughout my career, I've learned to trust my instincts about certain players, and everything about Sotto's trajectory suggests he's on the path to achieving his NBA dream. Whether he gets drafted this year or continues developing overseas, I'm confident we haven't heard the last of Kai Sotto's NBA aspirations.