The Mecca of Basketball, the NBA (National Basketball Association) has been the usual landing spot for the best talents in the world throughout the history of basketball. Through the years, the NBA was heavily dominated by Americans. But, lately, that hasn’t been the case. This year’s All-NBA 1st team (and league MVP) shows that the league’s best are now from different parts of the world (i.e. Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokic).
Additionally, the game itself has massively evolved since the sport was founded in 1891 by the late great James Naismith. This year, we will be seeing some new talents coming into the league. Aside from top prospects like Paolo Banchero and Chet Holmgren, another name stands out in the crowd – Kai Sotto.
The Filipino phenom is taking his basketball gifts in the NBA but his preparedness for the grit and grind is still in question. With that being said, if he ever gets drafted this year, which teams could best fit Kai Sotto?
Before that, who is Kai Sotto?
Kai Sotto is a basketball star who is born and raised in the Philippines. Last year, he played for the Adelaide 36ers in the NBL (National Basketball League) in Australia. Before that, the 20-year-old big man tried his luck in the NBA G-League Ignite team.
He has been making noise in the basketball scene after he announced that he will be joining the NBA 2022 draft this June. Some of Kai’s accolades are as follows:
- NBL Fans MVP (2022)
- 2017 SEABA Under-16 Championship Gold Medal
- 2017 FIBA Under-16 Asian Championship Mythical First Team
- 2016 UAAP Season 79 Juniors Rookie of the Year
- 2017 UAAP Season 80 Juniors Mythical Five
- 2017 UAAP Season 80 Juniors Finals MVP
- 2018 UAAP Season 81 Juniors MVP
- 2018 UAAP Season 81 Juniors Mythical Five
Related: Teams That Could Pick Kai Sotto (2022 NBA Draft)
Best Teams Fit for Kai Sotto
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets are extremely fun to watch teams in today’s fast-paced league. The electrifying duo of LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges create loads of highlights night in and night out. With an already perfect pair of talented rising stars, why should Kai fit in this system?
- For starters, Charlotte has not stabilized a player for the center position yet. The guys they usually put in the middle are Mason Plumlee and Montrezl Harrel who happens to be both powers forwards.
- Now, if Kai gets to be a Hornet, if he gets a decent amount of playing time, the chances of him getting a lot of touches can be surprising. We know LaMelo is a great facilitator due to his great court vision and ridiculous passes.
Also, LaMelo and Kai are both NBL alumni. Wouldn’t it be nice to see two guys from the same league team up in the NBA?
Golden State Warriors
The most beloved team in California is probably the perfect place where Kai Sotto could develop and reach his potential. Although Kai is still very raw, his ceiling is definitely high. Why? Because the Warriors system is not designed for a lone star, it’s a real team basketball. More so, with Kai’s playing style, he will easily complement Golden State’s playbook.
To put things into perspective, Sotto is a good shooting center who also prides himself in his defensive capabilities. With only these traits, the 20-year-old Filipino is already perfect in the Bay Area.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City Thunder is currently the youngest team in the NBA. Led by the borderline all-star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and another rising star, Josh Giddey, the future in OKC is looking bright. With young guns currently running the show plus a lot more future draft picks, Oklahoma could be the perfect playground for Kai.
- Similar to Charlotte, OKC also need a reliable center. With Kai’s towering height and length, there’s no way Kai wouldn’t fit in there.
- But, OKC will be picking second overall in the 2022 draft and they already have their eyes on the no.1 draft prospect from Gonzaga University, Chet Holmgren.
- If they do take Holmgren (who has a similar style to Kai), the Thunder selecting Sotto would be slim.
Which team do you think should pick Kai Sotto? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. For more content, stay with us, here at Spiel Times.
OTHER NEWS: Kai Sotto V.S. Chet Holmgren, Player Comparison
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