NBA team executives, coaches, and scouts have gathered in Chicago for the NBA Draft Combine, where 78 prospects are showcasing their skills in hopes of entering the league. While not officially participating, one name is making waves in closed-door meetings: Kai Sotto.
As a free agent, the 7-foot-4, 232-pound Filipino sensation went undrafted in 2022. His journey to become the first full-blooded Filipino in the NBA faced obstacles due to changes in agent representation and a disappointing exit from the G-League Ignite. However, with powerhouse agency Wasserman Sports now guiding his aspirations, Sotto has a clearer path to the NBA, albeit one that requires continued hard work on his part.
According to a source familiar with Sotto's NBA aspirations, his journey begins now. At 21 years old, he has demonstrated significant improvement in his all-around game after stints in the NBL and the Japan B. League. In 19 games with the Hiroshima Dragonflies, Sotto averaged 19.1 minutes, 8.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. While he needs to work on his three-point shooting (11% in limited attempts in Japan), teams in need of size and a mobile big man with shot-blocking ability are intrigued.
Sotto is expected to travel to Los Angeles next week, where he will dive into intensive training as his camp arranges workouts with multiple NBA teams. It is now confirmed that Sotto will participate in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas in July. However, his availability for the 2023 FIBA World Cup in the Philippines remains uncertain, as that aspect of his career is managed by East West Private (EWP).
The scheduling conflicts present a challenge for Sotto. The Philippine national team, Gilas, is set to depart for Lithuania in June for training. The NBA Summer League takes place in July, followed by the World Cup in August. Balancing these commitments will require careful coordination and a juggling act.
Despite the difficulties, Sotto's emergence as a prospect has generated significant interest. His unique combination of size, athleticism, and skill set has caught the attention of NBA decision-makers. With his continued development and the support of Wasserman Sports, Sotto's NBA dream is inching closer to reality, making him an exciting prospect to watch in the coming months.
The next question is, which team should he play for?
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