NBA rising star Josh Giddey has high praise for Kai Sotto

Gilas Pilipinas center Kai Sotto during a game against Lebanon in Beirut. Photo by Fiba

MANILA, Philippines—Despite going undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft, Adelaide’s Kai Sotto has the tools to make it in the league, according to Oklahoma City rising star Josh Giddey.

Giddey, the crafty guard who played one season with the Adelaide 36ers in the National Basketball League, believes Sotto has a bright future ahead of him.

“Kai’s a very fun player to watch,” Giddey said in an interview with the 36ers.

“There’s a lot of upside for where he can get to in the future,” he added.

Giddey, 19, will see Sotto play up close when the Thunder host the 36ers in a preseason game on October 7 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma.

The 7-foot-2 big is currently playing for the Philippines in the fourth window of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers. He scored 10 points, eight rebounds and two blocks in their 85-81 loss to Lebanon on Friday.

Josh Giddey #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball during the first half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on December 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. Christian Petersen/Getty Images/AFP

Giddey, who made the NBA All-Rookie Second Team after he averaged 12.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.4 assists in his first season in the NBA, is known for his court vision and high basketball IQ and he sees Sotto possessing the same qualities.

“He’s a young kid, but for a guy that big, he moves well and he’s a smart player,” the 6-foot-8 Giddey said.

The 20-year-old Sotto posted 7.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game in his first season with the 36ers. He opted to return for another season with Adelaide after missing out on the draft.

“What I got to see of him last year I was really impressed,” Giddey said.

RELATED STORIES