NBA All-Star Vote Leaders Revealed: Who's Leading the Fan Polls This Season?
As I sit here scrolling through the latest 2022 NBA Draft projections, I can't help but notice the curious case of Kai Sotto. The 7'2" Filipino center has been on the NBA radar for what feels like forever, yet his position in the draft remains one of the most intriguing storylines this year. Having followed international basketball prospects for over a decade, I've seen countless players navigate this uncertain path, but Sotto's journey feels particularly compelling given the unique pressures he carries as potentially the first homegrown Filipino player to make the NBA.
When I look at current mock drafts, Sotto appears anywhere from late second round to completely undrafted across various platforms. ESPN's most recent update had him at number 58, while The Athletic didn't list him in their top 60 at all. This wide variance tells me that teams are genuinely divided on his potential versus his current readiness. His performance with the Adelaide 36ers in Australia's NBL showed flashes of brilliance - he averaged 7.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in about 15 minutes per game - but also highlighted areas needing development, particularly his physical strength and defensive consistency against more mature athletes.
What really strikes me about Sotto's approach is his mindset, which he recently articulated in that telling statement: "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 philosophy of constant preparation resonates deeply with me because I've seen how this mentality separates those who make it from those who don't. He's not sitting around waiting for his name to be called - he's actively working with his team at AMA to stay game-ready, understanding that opportunity favors the prepared mind and body.
From my perspective as someone who's studied draft patterns for years, Sotto represents exactly the type of high-upside, long-term project that certain NBA franchises love to take fliers on in the second round. His combination of size, shooting touch, and mobility is genuinely rare - there simply aren't many 7-foot-2 players who can comfortably space the floor and protect the rim. I'm particularly impressed with his improved three-point shooting, which climbed to about 34% in the NBL, a respectable number for a player his size. Teams like San Antonio, Miami, or Oklahoma City - organizations known for player development - could see him as a worthwhile investment.
The reality is that only about 42% of second-round picks actually stick in the NBA beyond their rookie contracts, but I believe Sotto's international experience and demonstrated work ethic give him a better chance than most. His path might not be straightforward - he might need G-League time or another overseas stint - but his attitude suggests he understands this is a marathon, not a sprint. When he said he doesn't take opportunities for granted, that wasn't just talk - we've seen him bounce back from setbacks before, like when he missed the NBA Global Academy program but came back stronger.
As draft night approaches, I'm keeping a close eye on teams with multiple second-round picks or those lacking true centers on their roster. The Timberwolves at 50, the Warriors at 51, or the Cavaliers at 56 could all be realistic landing spots. Whatever happens, Sotto's journey reminds us that the draft isn't just about where you're selected, but what you do with the opportunity once it arrives. His preparedness mindset might just be the thing that turns a late pick or two-way contract into a legitimate NBA career.