As I sit down to analyze Kai Sotto's NBA draft prospects, I can't help but draw parallels to the philosophy shared by Pablo in the PVL - focusing on what you have rather than chasing what isn't there. Having followed international basketball prospects for over a decade, I've seen countless young talents navigate this challenging path. The question isn't just whether Sotto possesses NBA-level skills, but whether teams can see beyond the obvious limitations and recognize the unique value he brings to the table.
Let's be real here - the 2020 NBA draft landscape was particularly challenging for international prospects. With COVID-19 disrupting scouting processes and teams becoming more risk-averse, the odds were stacked against players like Sotto from the beginning. I remember watching his development through the NBA G League Ignite program, where he averaged 7.5 points and 4 rebounds in limited minutes. Those numbers don't jump off the page, but they don't tell the whole story either. At 7'3" with legitimate perimeter skills, Sotto represents exactly the kind of modern big man that NBA teams claim to covet. Yet during the draft process, I noticed teams seemed more focused on what he couldn't do rather than what he could bring to an organization.
The comparison to Pablo's approach with her volleyball team strikes me as particularly relevant here. Just as she shifted focus to working with available pieces, NBA teams drafting in the second round should have considered how Sotto's unique skill set could develop within their system. I've always believed that player development isn't just about fixing weaknesses - it's about maximizing strengths. Sotto's mobility for his size, his improving three-point shot (which I estimate at around 34% based on his international performances), and his natural feel for the game are assets that many drafted players simply don't possess.
Looking at the actual draft results, it's disappointing but not surprising that Sotto went undrafted. Teams selected players with similar physical profiles but fewer demonstrated skills, which frankly baffles me. The Memphis Grizzlies took Xavier Tillman at pick 35 - a solid player, but one without Sotto's ceiling. The Philadelphia 76ers used pick 49 on Isaiah Joe, another good player, but one who plays a position where they already had depth. This is where I think teams miss the point - they're collecting assets rather than building cohesive rosters.
What really frustrates me about the draft process is how teams often overlook the intangible qualities that international players bring. Having spoken with scouts who watched Sotto develop, I learned that his work ethic and basketball IQ consistently impressed them. He improved his body significantly, adding approximately 15 pounds of muscle during his G League stint. His understanding of pick-and-roll coverage, something I've charted in multiple games, shows advanced defensive awareness for his age.
The reality is that only 60 players get drafted each year, and many quality prospects inevitably slip through the cracks. But here's where I differ from many analysts - I believe Sotto's undrafted status might actually benefit his long-term development. Without the pressure of being a draft pick, he can choose his destination more carefully and develop at his own pace. We've seen this story before with players like Aron Baynes and Matthew Dellavedova, who went undrafted but carved out meaningful NBA careers.
As someone who's studied player development pathways extensively, I'm convinced that Sotto's journey is far from over. The current NBA values exactly the type of skills he possesses - floor spacing, rim protection, and positional versatility. Teams like Oklahoma City or San Antonio, who prioritize long-term development, would be perfect fits for his skill set. His path reminds me of other international success stories where patience and proper development led to NBA careers.
Ultimately, the draft is just one step in a professional basketball journey. While Sotto wasn't selected in 2020, his potential remains largely untapped. The teams that passed on him might eventually regret their decision when they see him contributing for another franchise. In basketball, as in life, sometimes the best opportunities come from working with what you have rather than constantly searching for what you think is missing elsewhere.