Kai Sotto Thread

[IPC]

AJ is best suited as a stretch PF and he excel in that position,he can play small center,but as of now Kouame is now a better player full time at center,his footwork and finishing touches had improved so much that if he's in the Bleague he would probably demolish Kai in one on one situation.

I disagree, Kai is not a pushover anymore and he’s facing better competition in Bleague with some former NBA players and MVP’s in other leagues.

Kai improved offensively, and made gains on defense as well. Not a pushover anymore, I agree.

Defensively, I read that Kai defended Jonathon Williams quite well in Japan. Plus, he has a block percentage of 5.1% this season, which is quite high. Yokohama's DRTG with Kai on the floor is 108.5, compared to 112.3 overall, nearly 4 points better.

He still has work to do in terms of rim deterrence. I can still see him being late on rotations and giving up shots near the basket on those situations, as well as shots being made on him. Even if he doesn't block the shot, as long as he forces misses, that should do. And we can't do much about him being blown by small guards when switched, he needs backside help there.

[JAMSKIE]

I think one offensive aspect that Kai can really develop to become one of his main offensive weapon would be medium range jump shot from 15 to 18 feet. I think Kai naturally has a good touch from medium range. Remember that his freethrow percentage is impressive for a big man.

Kai should be talking those mid-range jumpers more often may it be games in the B-league or in FIBA.

[paolylo]

I think one offensive aspect that Kai can really develop to become one of his main offensive weapon would be medium range jump shot from 15 to 18 feet. I think Kai naturally has a good touch from medium range. Remember that his freethrow percentage is impressive for a big man.

Kai should be talking those mid-range jumpers more often may it be games in the B-league or in FIBA.

Mid range jumpers these days are unfortunately taken by what the defense gives. I don't see a lot of defenses vs Kai in his games that pressure the ball handler into giving Kai a look from 15-18 feet. It's either that 2-man game with the point (like Kawamura) where Kai has daylight to attack the paint or point guard dribble handoffs from just outside the 3 point line where bigs are just daring him to shoot that slow release outside jumper. If any, he's got to expand his range on that floater/semi-hook because he seems to be open a lot from under 12-ish feet.

He's not a Holmgren or a Wembanyama with a license to handle the ball where he'll end up getting a mismatch in space where a midrange shot becomes an option once the defense gets back. Agree with the others who said his defense still needs work. Not a knock on his defense per se, but world class FIBA players and NBA players are just that much better than B.League players.

[JAMSKIE]

Mid range jumpers these days are unfortunately taken by what the defense gives. I don't see a lot of defenses vs Kai in his games that pressure the ball handler into giving Kai a look from 15-18 feet. It's either that 2-man game with the point (like Kawamura) where Kai has daylight to attack the paint or point guard dribble handoffs from just outside the 3 point line where bigs are just daring him to shoot that slow release outside jumper. If any, he's got to expand his range on that floater/semi-hook because he seems to be open a lot from under 12-ish feet.

He's not a Holmgren or a Wembanyama with a license to handle the ball where he'll end up getting a mismatch in space where a midrange shot becomes an option once the defense gets back. Agree with the others who said his defense still needs work. Not a knock on his defense per se, but world class FIBA players and NBA players are just that much better than B.League players.

But I think the triangle offense that coach Tim Cone runs at Gilas team would give Kai some good looks at 15-18 feet.

[IPC]

Mid range jumpers these days are unfortunately taken by what the defense gives. I don't see a lot of defenses vs Kai in his games that pressure the ball handler into giving Kai a look from 15-18 feet. It's either that 2-man game with the point (like Kawamura) where Kai has daylight to attack the paint or point guard dribble handoffs from just outside the 3 point line where bigs are just daring him to shoot that slow release outside jumper. If any, he's got to expand his range on that floater/semi-hook because he seems to be open a lot from under 12-ish feet.

He's not a Holmgren or a Wembanyama with a license to handle the ball where he'll end up getting a mismatch in space where a midrange shot becomes an option once the defense gets back. Agree with the others who said his defense still needs work. Not a knock on his defense per se, but world class FIBA players and NBA players are just that much better than B.League players.

On the defense, normally he should given time until maybe 2027, where he'll be 25.

However, in the Gilas context, the only good frontcourt defenders we have are AJ, Brownlee (NP), and Ange (NP). JB's old and due to retire soon, AJ's injury prone, and Ange will always be subordinate to a go-to guy type NP. I mentioned this in the seniors thread. I think Kai has until JB's retirement to improve his defense, so he has to improve on that end quickly. If he doesn't by then, we might be giving up one too many easy baskets against good Asian teams when AJ sits or is injured.

[lurklurk]

On the defense, normally he should given time until maybe 2027, where he'll be 25.

However, in the Gilas context, the only good frontcourt defenders we have are AJ, Brownlee (NP), and Ange (NP). JB's old and due to retire soon, AJ's injury prone, and Ange will always be subordinate to a go-to guy type NP. I mentioned this in the seniors thread. I think Kai has until JB's retirement to improve his defense, so he has to improve on that end quickly. If he doesn't by then, we might be giving up one too many easy baskets against good Asian teams when AJ sits or is injured.

Kai as a drop big has potential. His blk% has always been at 5.5 to 6.5 range.

[paolylo]

But I think the triangle offense that coach Tim Cone runs at Gilas team would give Kai some good looks at 15-18 feet.

That’s a nice to have at the NBA level but with his skillset, he’s not going to be asked to receive passes or even fake handoffs from that range. Sa B.League siguro he becomes unguardable if he shoots and makes midrange shots where the help is just a 5’11-6’2 Japanese guy (kasi import lagi bantay niya). So imagine Kai getting a pass and he’s midrange, where does he go if it’s a 6’4-6’7 nigga who’ll get to his spot before he even makes a move? Chances are he’ll pass out or try to hold the ball high and stagnate the offense (which happened often in Australia). It’s been established that he can’t just bulk up til he loses what’s left of his agility. So with his improvement offensively in the paint, how does he help anyone in the NBA? No one sets up low post plays anymore because these analytics staff tell players to shoot when they’re open because it’s a better shot than being guarded with his back to the basket… tapos punyeta kita mo lahat ng mga squatter sa FB sumisigaw ng “bakaw” sa guard as if never nakapanood ng NBA since 2015.

[ARMIR]

That’s a nice to have at the NBA level but with his skillset, he’s not going to be asked to receive passes or even fake handoffs from that range. Sa B.League siguro he becomes unguardable if he shoots and makes midrange shots where the help is just a 5’11-6’2 Japanese guy (kasi import lagi bantay niya). So imagine Kai getting a pass and he’s midrange, where does he go if it’s a 6’4-6’7 nigga who’ll get to his spot before he even makes a move? Chances are he’ll pass out or try to hold the ball high and stagnate the offense (which happened often in Australia). It’s been established that he can’t just bulk up til he loses what’s left of his agility. So with his improvement offensively in the paint, how does he help anyone in the NBA? No one sets up low post plays anymore because these analytics staff tell players to shoot when they’re open because it’s a better shot than being guarded with his back to the basket… tapos punyeta kita mo lahat ng mga squatter sa FB sumisigaw ng “bakaw” sa guard as if never nakapanood ng NBA since 2015.

Also the fact that the Bleague refs,were very generous when it comes to Kai sometimes camping in the shaded lane waiting for the pass or to block a shot,he won't see that kind of generosity even in the Summer League.Ever since he played with that pg who pads his assists stats,he almost totally abandoned his short and midrange shots,he even have this ugly shot ala Zack Edey that just throws the ball in the ring,I wished that he developed running hook shot more,that would been his go to shot.I can't wait for him to go back to Summer League and read all his biased vlog supporters making excuses,I just don't see him matching up on Chet,which btw bloggers thinks is overrated and Kai is better than him.

[Rds]

Also the fact that the Bleague refs,were very generous when it comes to Kai sometimes camping in the shaded lane waiting for the pass or to block a shot,he won't see that kind of generosity even in the Summer League.Ever since he played with that pg who pads his assists stats,he almost totally abandoned his short and midrange shots,he even have this ugly shot ala Zack Edey that just throws the ball in the ring,I wished that he developed running hook shot more,that would been his go to shot.I can't wait for him to go back to Summer League and read all his biased vlog supporters making excuses,I just don't see him matching up on Chet,which btw bloggers thinks is overrated and Kai is better than him.

There is no defensive 3 second in Fiba. I think B league follows that. One of the major differences in NBA.

[CoJ]

https://www.spin.ph/basketball/fiba/kai-sotto-representatives-map-out-nba-camp-workout-dates-a2244-20240514?utm_source=Facebook-Spin&utm_medium=Ownshare&utm_campaign=20240514-fbnp-basketball-kai-sotto-representatives-map-out-nba-camp-workout-dates-a2244-20240514-fbfirst&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0huEES_xEB6RwO-Qg-CcsgdqRadoxyegTNc0u4LNM2e5v5EX1nan4kpfc_aem_AWDlvhRtF0niFLOGXM35q9SmnVsuqudfguCzONBIsohn6J9ta7HZKDnvIEDUuTn3sQEj4Gq9Vr8B_squqBgTXZDV

[ARMIR]

I think one offensive aspect that Kai can really develop to become one of his main offensive weapon would be medium range jump shot from 15 to 18 feet. I think Kai naturally has a good touch from medium range. Remember that his freethrow percentage is impressive for a big man.

Kai should be talking those mid-range jumpers more often may it be games in the B-league or in FIBA.

But he won't evident even in Bleague any player over 6'5 in front of him he passed the ball.

[IPC]

What's next for Kai? Snow saying he's going to wear a purple uniform next.

So what now for Kai? Converge? LOL

Kai Sotto to Converge?

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/uBG...ibextid=qi2Omg

The moment Kai joins the PBA before he turns 32, that's when it's underachieving for him (at least in my opinion). Too much competition at center for imports overseas, yes, but the B.League is still a better league. KBL too, just because of the imports, and he will be forced to improve. Also, it kind of exposes him to international-style ball, which the PBA for the most part is very different from when it comes to play style.

Plus, can't discount rest and availability for FIBA windows and tournaments, given that the PBA has reverted to the 3-conference format next season with a start date in August 2024. SEA Games and Asiad is another story, though.

[Sikatrix]

Th other option is Sacramento Kings summer league

[magic_chiongson]

thought him and kawamura made a good pair, similar ages too. they could build a team around those 2 and they will be competitive in the b-league for years. i wonder how long his contract with hiroshima was, if he becomes a free agent it makes more sense to sign with yokohoma. i doubt any team from the nba would sign him right now except for a g-league roster spot

[greenarcher]

Why won't Yokohama sign him to a new offer/contract? Does not make sense for the team.