Will Kai Sotto Get Drafted in the 2022 NBA Draft? Latest Updates and Analysis
2025-11-13 17:01
I remember sitting in my living room last June, watching the NBA draft unfold with particular interest in one name that kept popping up in international basketball circles—Kai Sotto. The buzz around this 7'2" Filipino prospect had been building for years, and here we were approaching what many considered his moment of truth. As someone who's followed international basketball prospects for over a decade, I've seen countless young talents navigate the treacherous waters of the NBA draft process, but Sotto's journey struck me as particularly fascinating given the unique path he's taken.
The conversation between Holtmann and Albert that's referenced in our knowledge base actually reminds me of the kind of mentorship relationships that can make or break a young player's career. When Holtmann recalled Albert telling him "I will help you and you will help us," it perfectly captures the symbiotic relationship that develops between promising talents and the programs that nurture them. This dynamic becomes especially crucial for international players like Sotto, who need the right guidance to navigate the complex transition to American basketball. From my perspective, having watched numerous international prospects both succeed and fail in this transition, the support system around a player often matters as much as their raw talent.
Looking at Sotto's specific situation, his decision to play in Australia's NBL rather than taking the traditional NCAA route showed both courage and strategic thinking. The NBL has become a legitimate alternative pathway, with players like LaMelo Ball demonstrating its viability. Sotto averaged 7.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game for the Adelaide 36ers—numbers that don't jump off the page but need context. Watching his tape, I noticed his improved physicality and defensive presence, though his playing time remained inconsistent at around 15 minutes per game. This inconsistency became the central concern for NBA scouts I've spoken with, who wonder if he can handle the nightly grind against the world's best big men.
The pre-draft process brought mixed signals. His workout with the Orlando Magic reportedly impressed some front office members, particularly his shooting touch for a player of his size. Yet other teams expressed concerns about his lateral quickness and ability to defend in space—common issues for players his height. I spoke with an Eastern Conference scout who told me privately that while Sotto's offensive skills are intriguing, teams worry he might be "a solution looking for a problem" in today's positionless NBA. Still, his performance in international competitions, including averaging 12.8 points and 8.5 rebounds for Gilas Pilipinas, demonstrates his capability against quality competition.
What many analysts miss when evaluating Sotto's draft prospects is the commercial aspect. The NBA has become increasingly global, and drafting the first Filipino-born player would open up one of basketball's most passionate markets. I've seen estimates suggesting a Filipino player could generate additional revenue streams worth approximately $15-20 million annually through merchandise and broadcasting rights in Southeast Asia alone. While teams don't make draft decisions purely based on business considerations, this factor absolutely lingers in the background of front office discussions.
The days leading up to the draft saw conflicting reports from various insiders. Some mock drafts had him going late in the second round, while others omitted him entirely. Having tracked draft rumors for years, I've learned that this kind of divergence often indicates genuine uncertainty among decision-makers rather than mere differences of opinion. One Western Conference executive I respect told me he believed Sotto would benefit from another year of development overseas, preferably in Europe where he'd face more physical big men. Another scout from a different organization insisted that Sotto's unique combination of size and skill made him worth a flier in the 50-60 pick range.
When draft night finally arrived, I found myself hoping to see history made. The potential for Sotto to become not just an NBA player but an inspiration to an entire nation added emotional weight to what's typically a purely analytical exercise for me. As pick after pick was announced, the tension built—both for Sotto and for those of us who had followed his journey. The second round progressed, and teams with needs at center made their selections. Some made sense from a fit perspective, while others left me scratching my head, wondering if they were overlooking a potential diamond in the rough.
Reflecting on the outcome, I believe Sotto's journey highlights both the opportunities and challenges facing international prospects in today's NBA. The league has never been more global, yet the path remains incredibly difficult. What encourages me is Sotto's apparent resilience—the same quality that Holtmann described in his conversation with Albert. That determination, combined with his physical tools and skill development, suggests this might not be the end of his NBA dream but merely a detour. Having watched countless players take unconventional routes to the league, I wouldn't bet against someone with Sotto's combination of talent, work ethic, and motivation. The conversation between mentor and player that we referenced earlier captures exactly the kind of relationship that could eventually help Sotto find his way back to the NBA's doorstep, perhaps better prepared for the opportunity when it arrives.