The Golden State Warriors have long been a franchise known for reimagining the blueprint of modern basketball. With their revolutionary brand of pace, space, and perimeter shooting, they not only won multiple championships in the 2010s but changed the way teams around the league built their rosters. Yet, as the NBA has evolved once more—with dominant big men like Nikola Jokić, Joel Embiid, and Giannis Antetokounmpo anchoring championship-caliber teams—there’s a growing sense that the Warriors need to pivot once again. And according to reports surfacing out of the Bay Area, head coach Steve Kerr may already have his eyes set on a unique prospect to counter the new wave of interior dominance. His name is Kai Sotto, the 7-foot-3 Filipino phenom who’s slowly but steadily capturing attention on the international stage.
Sotto isn’t a household name in the United States, not yet at least. But globally—especially in Southeast Asia—he’s viewed as a beacon of hope, a representation of basketball dreams once thought impossible. The Philippines has long been a country passionate about basketball, with courts dotting neighborhoods from Manila to Davao. But rarely has the country produced a player with the size, skillset, and ceiling of Sotto. And now, the possibility of him donning a Warriors jersey has created a ripple of excitement that stretches far beyond the hardwood.
Steve Kerr’s remarks about Sotto came during a press availability following a Team USA minicamp, where he was asked about how the Warriors plan to respond to the increased physicality and size of their Western Conference rivals. “You look at teams like Denver and Minnesota, they’re just throwing waves of size at you,” Kerr said. “We’ve got to figure out a way to counter that without losing our identity. I think someone like Kai Sotto, with his touch, IQ, and length, could be a really interesting piece. He’s still young, but there’s something there.”
That simple quote opened the floodgates. Social media erupted. Filipino fans were beside themselves with excitement. Scouts began reassessing their notes. And general managers began wondering if the Warriors, typically content to build through the draft or homegrown talent, might be plotting a sneaky international move. What makes this especially intriguing is the layered context behind the Warriors’ interest, Sotto’s developmental journey, and the challenges of integrating international talent into a fast-paced NBA ecosystem.
Kai Sotto first began gaining attention as a teenager in the Philippines, where his height and coordination immediately set him apart from his peers. He trained with the Ateneo Blue Eaglets and became a youth sensation. But recognizing the limitations of the local system in nurturing NBA-level talent, Sotto and his family made the bold decision to relocate to the United States. That journey would prove to be anything but smooth. He joined The Skill Factory in Georgia, a private basketball development program, and displayed flashes of brilliance against top-tier high school competition. However, his path diverged from the traditional NCAA route when he joined the NBA G League Ignite program, only to later part ways due to scheduling and contractual issues.
Despite the setbacks, Sotto continued to hone his game. He declared for the NBA Draft in 2022 but went undrafted, a disappointment to his growing legion of supporters. However, rather than retreat, he took his talents to Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL), signing with the Adelaide 36ers. The NBL has grown into one of the premier proving grounds for NBA hopefuls, having helped launch the careers of LaMelo Ball, Josh Giddey, and others. In Australia, Sotto demonstrated growth. His soft touch around the rim, developing mid-range jumper, rim protection instincts, and improved footwork began to shine. More importantly, he gained valuable experience against professional players.
What stood out most was Sotto’s composure. He wasn’t the flashiest player on the court, but he had poise, a high basketball IQ, and an unteachable feel for positioning and timing. These are traits that Kerr has always valued in his big men. Think of Andrew Bogut, David West, and Kevon Looney—not elite scorers, but smart, selfless players who understood the Warriors’ system. In many ways, Sotto fits the mold. But what makes him potentially even more valuable is his ceiling. At 7-foot-3, with a wingspan over 7’5”, he offers the kind of size the Warriors have not had since the brief DeMarcus Cousins experiment. And unlike many traditional bigs, Sotto has range, both literally and figuratively.
The NBA today demands versatility from its bigs. It’s not enough to just bang in the post. The league’s best big men can pass, shoot, defend multiple positions, and execute in both half-court and transition settings. Sotto, while not yet a finished product, has shown potential in each of these categories. His passing ability, especially from the high post, mirrors the reads the Warriors love to exploit with Draymond Green. He can space the floor with a soft shooting touch. He has decent hands and timing on lobs and pick-and-roll actions. Defensively, while his lateral movement needs work, he compensates with shot-altering presence in the paint.
Kerr’s interest, therefore, is not just based on novelty or international outreach. It’s rooted in basketball fit. The Warriors may still be Steph Curry’s team, but they need frontcourt help. James Wiseman, a former No. 2 pick, never panned out and was eventually traded. Kevon Looney is serviceable but undersized. Draymond Green, though still brilliant defensively, cannot carry the center position alone—especially against the likes of Jokic or Karl-Anthony Towns. Sotto provides a low-cost, high-upside option who could be molded into a rotational big with the right guidance.
Another important layer to this story is the Warriors’ broader strategic shift. With their championship core aging—Curry is 37, Thompson’s future is uncertain, and Green is in his mid-30s—the franchise needs to begin replenishing its talent pool. But rather than rely solely on traditional means, they appear to be looking for value in overlooked places. International markets, especially those not historically known for NBA pipelines, are ripe with untapped talent. Signing Sotto would not just be a basketball move; it would be a cultural one, signaling the Warriors’ commitment to becoming a truly global brand.
For the Filipino basketball community, this is monumental. No Filipino-born player has yet made a lasting impact in the NBA. Sotto becoming a Warrior would be a cultural and symbolic victory—a realization of dreams for millions. The potential economic and fanbase implications are massive. From jersey sales to viewership spikes, the ripple effects of Sotto landing in Golden State could be profound. But beyond marketing, the real focus will be on development and fit.
Of course, there are questions. Can Sotto physically withstand the rigors of the NBA? At 7’3”, durability is always a concern. He’ll need to add strength without compromising mobility. How quickly can he adapt to the speed of the game? NBA rotations are faster, schemes are more complex, and every mistake is magnified. The Warriors’ system, while predicated on movement and unselfishness, is notoriously intricate. Kerr’s offensive sets demand timing, precision, and read-and-react instincts. Sotto will need to accelerate his learning curve.
Yet, in many ways, this might be the perfect environment for his growth. The Warriors have a track record of developing players within a winning culture. Under the mentorship of Green, Looney, and perhaps even Curry, Sotto could absorb invaluable lessons. There would be no pressure to contribute immediately—only a path to steadily evolve. This is the kind of slow burn that could pay off in dramatic fashion a season or two down the line.
The global basketball community is also taking notice. Sotto’s potential Warriors linkup has become a hot topic in international basketball forums. Coaches, scouts, and players alike are watching closely. It could signal a broader shift in NBA scouting philosophy—one that places greater trust in alternative development pathways. Whether it’s the NBL, European leagues, or even Africa’s Basketball Africa League (BAL), the idea that elite NBA talent can be cultivated outside the U.S. college system is gaining traction.
There’s also a philosophical undertone to Kerr’s admiration. Known for his progressive worldview and his stint as head coach of the USA Men’s National Team, Kerr is well aware of basketball’s global expansion. His connection to the Philippines is not surface-level. His father, Malcolm Kerr, was an academic deeply involved in the Middle East, and Steve himself has spoken about the value of cultural awareness and global outreach. Bringing in a player like Sotto would align with both his basketball and personal values.
This isn’t the first time Sotto has been linked to NBA franchises. The Orlando Magic reportedly had interest during his pre-draft workouts. The Utah Jazz monitored his development in Australia. But Golden State may represent the ideal match—both in terms of style and structure. A team that understands patience. A coach that values intelligence. A system that elevates skill over flash.
At this stage, no formal agreement has been made. It’s merely speculation—albeit from a source as respected as Kerr. But in the world of the NBA, interest is often the first domino. Workouts follow. Then summer league invites. Two-way contracts. G-League stints. And eventually, roster spots. If Sotto gets his foot in the door, the rest will be up to him.
Ultimately, this is a story about opportunity. About a franchise willing to think outside the box. About a young man carrying the hopes of a nation. And about how, sometimes, the biggest waves start with the quietest ripples. Whether Kai Sotto ends up a Warrior or not, the mere idea reflects a broader truth—the game is evolving, and it belongs to everyone.
In the months to come, fans and analysts alike will keep a close eye on Sotto’s next steps. Will he be seen training in San Francisco? Will the Warriors extend an offer? Will he get a shot in preseason? These questions remain unanswered. But one thing is certain: the journey of Kai Sotto is far from over. And if Steve Kerr’s instincts are right, the next chapter might just unfold in the heart of the Bay Area, under the bright lights of Chase Center, where basketball dreams have a way of coming true.
