NEW YORK, NY – The Golden State Warriors have made a significant, albeit late, splash in the 2025 NBA Draft, selecting Filipino center Kai Sotto with the 61st overall pick in the second round. The announcement, made on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, marks a historic moment for Philippine basketball and a fascinating gamble for the Warriors, who are clearly betting on the untapped potential and unique skillset of the 7-foot-3 big man.
Sotto, who has been on the NBA radar for several years, finally hears his name called after a circuitous professional journey that took him from the G-League Ignite to the Australian NBL with the Adelaide 36ers, and most recently, the Japan B.League with the Yokohama B-Corsairs. His selection by the Warriors, a franchise known for its innovative approach and ability to develop talent, provides a compelling narrative and a potential new chapter for both the player and the team.
Kai Sotto’s path to the NBA Draft has been far from conventional. Hailing from Las Piñas, Philippines, Sotto garnered international attention early in his career due to his immense size, burgeoning skill set, and graceful movement for a player of his height.
- Early Promise and the G-League Ignite: Sotto initially committed to the G-League Ignite program in 2020, opting to bypass the traditional college route. This move was seen as a direct pathway to the NBA, allowing him to train and compete against other top prospects. However, Sotto later left the Ignite program without playing a single game, citing a desire to pursue other opportunities.
- Australian NBL Stint: He then joined the Adelaide 36ers in Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL), playing two seasons (2021-22 and 2022-23). While he showed flashes of his potential, particularly with his shot-blocking and soft touch around the rim, his overall impact was limited, and consistency remained a challenge against physically mature professional players.
- Japan B.League Experience: Most recently, Sotto played in the Japan B.League, initially with the Hiroshima Dragonflies and then loaned to the Yokohama B-Corsairs. This stint allowed him to gain more consistent playing time and continue his development, focusing on his offensive repertoire and adapting to a professional pace of play. He reportedly showcased improvements in his strength and ability to finish around the basket.
Throughout this journey, Sotto has participated in NBA Summer League with the Orlando Magic and worked out for numerous NBA teams, keeping his dream alive despite being overlooked in previous drafts. His perseverance and continued dedication to honing his craft have finally paid off.
The Golden State Warriors’ selection of Kai Sotto at 61st overall is a low-risk, high-reward proposition, particularly for a team looking to add size and unique skills without a significant financial commitment.
- Elite Size and Length: At 7-foot-3, Sotto possesses elite NBA size and a reported 7-foot-5 wingspan. This physical profile is a rare commodity in the league and immediately addresses a perennial need for the Warriors: rim protection and rebounding.
- Shot-Blocking Potential: His height and timing make him a natural shot-blocker and a deterrent in the paint. He can alter shots and provide a defensive anchor, something the Warriors have often lacked, relying more on collective defense and scheme.
- Soft Touch and Offensive Upside: For a player his size, Sotto has surprisingly soft hands and a decent touch around the rim. He can finish lobs, has a developing hook shot, and has shown flashes of a mid-range jumper. If he can refine his offensive game, he could become a decent scoring threat from the low post or in pick-and-roll situations.
- Passing Vision (for a big): Sotto has demonstrated surprisingly good passing vision for a center, capable of making intelligent reads from the high post or when double-teamed. This fits well with the Warriors’ unselfish, ball-movement-oriented offense.
- High Basketball IQ: Despite his raw physical development, Sotto has generally been lauded for his high basketball IQ and understanding of the game. He’s often in the right position defensively and makes smart decisions with the ball.
- Market Appeal: Beyond his on-court potential, Sotto brings an immense fan base from the Philippines. His presence on the Warriors roster would immediately ignite a passionate following in the Bay Area and internationally, providing a significant boost in terms of global appeal and merchandising.
While the potential is clear, Sotto’s path to becoming a consistent NBA player presents several challenges:
- Strength and Physicality: The biggest hurdle for Sotto has always been his physicality. He needs to add significant muscle mass to withstand the rigors of NBA-level post play, battle for rebounds against stronger centers, and avoid being pushed around defensively. This is an area he has consistently worked on, but the NBA is a different beast.
- Mobility and Lateral Quickness: While agile for his size, Sotto’s lateral quickness will be tested against faster, more athletic NBA bigs and guards on switches. His ability to defend in space and recover on pick-and-rolls will be crucial for him to stay on the floor.
- Consistency: Sotto has shown flashes of brilliance but needs to develop the consistency required at the NBA level, both offensively and defensively.
- Role and Playing Time: The Warriors have a veteran-laden roster, even with recent changes. Sotto will likely start his career either on a two-way contract or spending significant time with the Santa Cruz Warriors in the G-League, refining his game and adapting to the NBA pace.
The Golden State Warriors, renowned for their player development under Head Coach Steve Kerr and their scouting department’s ability to find hidden gems (like Draymond Green in the second round), see an opportunity with Sotto. At the 61st pick (essentially the last pick of the draft), the risk is minimal, but the potential reward is substantial.
The Warriors have recently sought to inject youth and size into their roster. With the aging core of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green (as per previous prompts), adding high-upside young players like Sotto is vital for future sustainability. While they also acquired point guard Kasparas Jakučionis from the Miami Heat with the 20th overall pick (which was originally a Warriors pick traded to Miami), Sotto provides a different dimension of size and rim protection.
This pick reflects a long-term play, a belief that with the right strength and conditioning program, and under the tutelage of the Warriors’ coaching staff, Sotto can evolve into a valuable rotation player. His journey is far from over, but being drafted by a franchise like the Golden State Warriors provides him with the ideal environment and opportunity to finally realize his long-held NBA dream. The cheers from Manila, and indeed the Bay Area, will now follow his every step as he embarks on this exciting new chapter.
