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San Antonio Spurs are ideal landing spot, says G League Ignite player Kai Sotto

By Dylan Carter

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 20: Assistant coach Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs looks on in the first half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on November 20, 2019 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 20: Assistant coach Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs looks on in the first half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on November 20, 2019 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Big man prospect Kai Sotto is set to be a part of the G League select team next season and is already making a play at joining the San Antonio Spurs.

There’s an up-and-coming generation of players that was greatly influenced by San Antonio Spurs legend Tim Duncan. His grace on the court and illusiveness off it made Duncan an incredible role model for any player looking to build a Hall of Fame resume in the NBA. For the latest addition to the G League select team, Philipino center Kai Sotto, chasing Duncan’s legacy is a dream.

During an interview with Nets Daily, Sotto discussed his opportunity with the new G League initiative. He spoke about his upbringing, goals, the influence of Manny Pacquiao and the kind of player he wants to be in the NBA. Multiple times throughout the article, the Spurs are brought up in different regards.

When asked about what team he would like to play for in the NBA, Sotto’s answer was easily the San Antonio Spurs. The question was about which playoff team he wants to join and still, Sotto said it was the Spurs despite knowing they hadn’t made it. The team’s culture, international presence and sustained success stand out — Even for an 18-year-old like Sotto.

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Multiple times throughout the piece, it’s noted that Sotto models his game after Tim Duncan, which shines in his highlight reel. He’s an unselfish player who plays in team-sets well, initiating offense from both the low and high post areas. To truly compete, Kai needs to keep adding muscle to his lanky frame, but there’s serious potential for him to blossom down the road.

Hearing that he wants to be with the Spurs had to put him on the team’s radar. Anyone who says they want to be in silver and black knows all of the hard work and dedication that it entails. Especially coming from someone so early into their development, it’s promising to know that the dedication is there. His floor-spacing potential, unselfishness and size make him a great prospect for the Spurs to keep an eye on as the year progresses.

This will be the first edition of the G League select team — Ignite, which features a handful of the best college-age prospects from around the world who want to bypass the NCAA’s traditional system. Even though he feels that this is his best route, for the time being, Sotto had a scholarship to Arizona State University prepared for him. During the interview, he showed an interest in pursuing his degree later down the line, stating the importance of education and college experience for his maturation.

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Sotto seems to have a good head on his shoulders — A necessary trait for a potential Spurs player.