Major Changes for Kai Sotto: He Should Be in the NBA Now

Kai Sotto, the Filipino basketball prodigy, has been making waves in the basketball world for years. From his early days as a towering figure in the Philippines to his journey to the NBA, his story is one of determination, growth, and relentless pursuit of excellence. However, as of now, Kai Sotto has yet to establish himself in the NBA, a reality that has left fans and analysts wondering why this talented 7’3” center hasn’t yet cracked the NBA roster.

In this article, we will delve into the major changes that have occurred in Kai Sotto’s career, examine the factors that have shaped his journey, and explore why it is high time for the Filipino basketball star to make his debut in the NBA.

The Early Years: A Prodigy in the Philippines

Kai Sotto was born on May 11, 2002, in Las Piñas, Philippines. From an early age, it was clear that he had the potential to be something special in basketball. Standing at a towering 7’3″, Sotto’s physical attributes made him stand out, but it was his basketball IQ and skillset that really set him apart from other players in his age group.

Sotto started playing basketball at a young age, and by the time he was in his teenage years, he was already being touted as a future star. He joined the Ateneo de Manila University’s basketball program, one of the most prestigious programs in the Philippines, where he quickly became known for his shot-blocking ability, rebounding, and developing offensive game. Sotto’s agility and soft touch around the rim were remarkable for a player of his size.

However, the Philippines, though a basketball-mad country, was not seen as a major source of NBA talent. For a young player like Sotto, the Philippines could only provide so much in terms of competition and opportunities for growth. To achieve his dream of playing in the NBA, he needed to take his talents abroad.

The Decision to Pursue the NBA Dream

In 2019, Kai Sotto made the bold decision to leave his home country to pursue a basketball career in the United States. At just 17 years old, he enrolled at the Skill Factory in Atlanta, Georgia, where he could train with top-tier coaches and compete against some of the best high school players in the country. This was a major turning point in Sotto’s career, as it marked the beginning of his international journey and the start of his real push toward the NBA.

While training in the U.S., Sotto played in various competitions, including the prestigious Adidas Next Generation Basketball Tournament, where he showcased his shot-blocking, rebounding, and scoring abilities. He also earned a spot on the Philippines’ national team for the FIBA World Cup qualifiers, representing his country on the international stage. Despite facing some challenges, such as the cultural shock of being away from home and adapting to a different style of play, Sotto’s skills were becoming sharper by the day.

However, Sotto’s journey was not without obstacles. While he was gaining attention from scouts, there were concerns about his physique and the level of competition he had faced before arriving in the United States. While his potential was undeniable, there were still questions about whether he was ready for the highest level of basketball competition in the world.

The G-League Path and Ignite Team: A Stepping Stone?

One of the most significant developments in Sotto’s journey was his decision to join the NBA G League’s Ignite team. In 2020, the G League created the Ignite program, offering top high school prospects and international players an alternative to the traditional NCAA route. The program provided players with a chance to develop under NBA-level coaching, play against top-level competition, and increase their visibility to NBA teams.

Sotto’s decision to join Ignite was a clear signal that he was serious about making it to the NBA. The Ignite team featured a number of talented players, including Jalen Green, Jonathan Kuminga, and others who were expected to be high draft picks. However, Sotto’s stint with Ignite was brief.

Due to travel restrictions and the COVID-19 pandemic, Sotto had to return to the Philippines in 2020. Although he continued to train and develop his skills, the disruption to his development due to the global health crisis was undeniable. He wasn’t able to play as much in front of NBA scouts or engage in the type of competition he needed to improve his draft stock. The pandemic may have significantly delayed his progress and made the path to the NBA more challenging.

Playing in the NBL: Growth and Development

After his time with the G-League Ignite, Kai Sotto made a bold move by signing with the Australian National Basketball League (NBL) team, the Adelaide 36ers, for the 2021-2022 season. The NBL has become a well-respected league known for producing NBA-caliber talent, and players such as LaMelo Ball and Josh Giddey have used the NBL as a stepping stone to the NBA.

Sotto’s decision to play in the NBL was significant for several reasons. First, it provided him with a chance to compete at a high level of professional basketball against seasoned players. Second, it allowed him to continue his development in a competitive environment that more closely resembled the NBA’s intensity. The NBL is known for its physicality and fast pace, which helped Sotto improve his strength, conditioning, and basketball IQ.

During his time with the 36ers, Sotto showed flashes of brilliance, particularly on defense. His shot-blocking and rim protection were among his standout skills, and his offensive game continued to develop. However, there were areas of concern. Sotto’s consistency on offense, particularly in terms of scoring and rebounding, still needed improvement. His outside shooting and physicality in the post were still works in progress.

Despite these challenges, Sotto’s performances in the NBL showed that he was ready for the NBA stage. He was able to hold his own against older, more experienced players, and his potential was undeniable. Yet, once again, Sotto faced the harsh reality that his path to the NBA was not as straightforward as he had hoped.

The NBA Draft and Summer League: A Missed Opportunity?

Kai Sotto entered the 2022 NBA Draft, but his name was not called in the first round, nor in the second. Despite his considerable talent, his draft stock had fallen due to concerns about his physical development and the competition he had faced. Many analysts and scouts cited his lack of consistency, particularly his struggles to make an immediate impact on offense, as reasons for his exclusion from the draft.

However, Sotto continued to work hard to improve his game. He participated in NBA Summer League games, where he showed glimpses of his potential but still faced challenges in making a strong case for a roster spot. His performances in these exhibition games were somewhat underwhelming, as he failed to dominate the way many hoped he would. Though he showed flashes of his shot-blocking ability, Sotto’s struggles to score consistently and his lack of physicality in the post were apparent.

Despite not being drafted or making the final cut for an NBA team’s roster, Sotto continued to train and improve, demonstrating a resilience and determination that showed his commitment to the NBA dream.

Why Kai Sotto Deserves to Be in the NBA Now

As we reflect on Kai Sotto’s journey, it is clear that he has faced numerous challenges, including the impact of the pandemic, the struggles to adapt to different levels of competition, and the ups and downs of the draft process. However, these challenges have not diminished his potential. In fact, they have only enhanced his resolve to make it to the NBA.

At 7’3”, Sotto possesses rare physical gifts that make him a tantalizing prospect for NBA teams. His shot-blocking ability and defensive presence in the paint are qualities that many NBA teams crave. Moreover, his offensive game is steadily improving, particularly his ability to score around the rim and his developing shooting touch. While he may not yet be the finished product, his ceiling remains high, and with continued development, he has the potential to become a key contributor to an NBA team.

The NBA is in a new era, with teams increasingly prioritizing versatility and the ability to stretch the floor. A player like Sotto, who can protect the rim, rebound, and eventually shoot from the outside, is a perfect fit for this modern style of play. He has the potential to be a stretch big who can impact both ends of the floor, especially with the right coaching and development.

Kai Sotto should be in the NBA now because of his unique skill set, his work ethic, and his potential to make a meaningful impact on an NBA team. With the right opportunity, he could become the next international star in the NBA, following in the footsteps of players like Dirk Nowitzki, Kristaps Porzingis, and Rudy Gobert. His journey is far from over, and with continued hard work, Sotto’s dream of playing in the NBA will become a reality sooner rather than later.

Conclusion

Kai Sotto’s journey to the NBA has been a long and difficult one, filled with highs and lows. While there have been setbacks along the way, Sotto has shown remarkable resilience and determination in pursuing his dream. His potential is undeniable, and it is clear that with the right development, he could become a major force in the NBA.

As the NBA continues to evolve, players like Kai Sotto—who combine size, skill, and versatility—will be in high demand. It’s time for NBA teams to take notice and give Kai Sotto the opportunity he deserves. The future is bright for the Filipino basketball star, and the NBA may soon be his next stage.