Handy says Sotto has got the talent for NBA

Former NBL import and current Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach and head of player development Phil Handy believes Kai Sotto is talented enough to make the NBA.

Handy, who played 58 NBL games across two seasons with West Sydney Razorback and Melbourne Tigers, is a three-time NBA champion as an assistant coach and spoke to media on Monday ahead of Friday’s NBA Draft in Brooklyn.

The 196cm former swingman said for Sotto, it’s not a case of whether he makes the NBA, it’s about when the 218cm centre makes the big league.

"I believe he's very talented. I don't believe in putting timelines on athletes. I've had a chance to see him play for a couple of years. He's naturally gifted. He spent some time down in Australia, and that really helped develop his game" Handy said.

"It could be this summer, it could be next year. It really just depends on the opportunity.

“Sometimes, players' opportunities come at different times. The advice I would give Kai is to keep working, keep playing, and keep being ready for the opportunity."

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While Sotto went undrafted in 2022, the fan favourite returned for a second season at the 36ers before moving to the Japanese B.League.

Recently, Sotto participated in three NBA mini-camps with Dallas Mavericks, Utah Jazz and New York Knicks with the hope of making an NBA Summer League roster for the July 7-17 event.

For the full story head to >> Lakers assistant coach says Sotto NBA dream is closer to reality.