IF an unconventional path to the NBA is the topic, Jeremy Lin sure is one to talk.
And that's why the New Taipei Kings star believes it’s still sky’s the limit for Kai Sotto when it comes to chances of getting onto the world’s biggest basketball stage.
The Filipino went undrafted in 2022 before showcasing his skills in Australia then Japan, but for Lin the journey is far from over.
“I think it’s [like someone I know] - he got into the NBA later in his career. That’s what I hope to see in Kai and other players,” Lin told Philippine media during the East Asia Super League media day in Studio City, Macao.
READ: Jeremy Lin powers through injury in New Taipei's EASL semis loss
Lin was referring to a good friend who, at a later age, shined bright in the Olympics before getting a shot in the NBA.
And so, the 22-year-old Sotto may yet find other ways to get into the NBA.
After all, it's a personal narrative Lin himself experienced as well.
He, too, was undrafted in 2010, but was able to sign with his hometown Golden State Warriors later in the year. He did assignments in the then-NBA D-League where he got waived until he finally got a golden opportunity with the New York Knicks in 2011.
'Linsanity' came into being, and the rest was history.
“They always have a chance. They can play some international games. There are a lot of opportunities,” Lin said, while also mentioning he got to watch Sotto when the latter was still suiting up for G League Ignite.
Everything remains possible for the the 7-foot-1 Sotto, even though he's currently nursing an ACL injury and is expected to sit out for a year.
As Lin put it, “He definitely has time. I hope he recovers, gets healthy, and gets everything smooth going for him.”
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