The New York Knicks are shaking things up with their recent acquisition of forward Jeremy Sochan. Head coach Mike Brown is ready to give Sochan a shot in the rotation, similar to how he integrated Jose Alvarado, aiming to see what the young forward can bring to the team as they gear up for the playoffs.
Brown has shown confidence in playing younger talent, and Sochan is the latest to benefit from this approach. Despite Mohamed Diawara's solid performance this season, Brown is keen to explore Sochan's potential. “I’ve played young guys in front of vets before but I’m gonna give Jeremy an opportunity,” Brown stated after a recent practice.
Alvarado previously took over backup minutes from Tyler Kolek following a trade deal. Now, Sochan is set to follow a similar path, as Brown wants to assess his capabilities quickly with the playoffs looming. “At the end of the day, I’m gonna play who I think is best for us,” Brown emphasized, highlighting the urgency to evaluate Sochan's fit.
Sochan, who was picked up from the buyout market after being waived by the San Antonio Spurs, is eager to prove himself. The 22-year-old, selected ninth overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, is determined to demonstrate his value and help the Knicks in their postseason push. Reflecting on his time in San Antonio, Sochan expressed his eagerness for a fresh start: “I’m super excited to get a fresh slate and show what I can do.”
Standing at 6-foot-8, Sochan brings versatility and a defensive mindset, capable of guarding multiple positions. His career averages of 10.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game underscore his potential impact. While his three-point shooting remains a work in progress, Brown sees potential in his overall game.
“When we put our rotation together, I try to think of how the group on the floor fits for a lot of different reasons,” Brown explained, emphasizing the importance of chemistry and versatility over pure shooting ability. Sochan's size and defensive prowess are assets that Brown believes will bolster the Knicks' lineup.
Brown highlighted Sochan’s ability to guard positions one through five, adding valuable flexibility to the team, especially when key players are unavailable. “When you look at Jeremy, you like his size right off the bat, especially for a four,” Brown noted, appreciating the physicality and energy Sochan brings.
While Brown hasn’t committed to a specific number of minutes for Sochan, it’s clear that the young forward will have every opportunity to carve out a role unless circumstances dictate otherwise. Sochan is ready to seize this chance, eager to learn and grow alongside established players on the Knicks' roster.
Reflecting on his departure from the Spurs, Sochan acknowledged the challenges but remains optimistic about his new opportunity in New York. “I’m just blessed to be in an opportunity where I can go and blossom,” he said, expressing his excitement about joining a deep and talented team.
As the Knicks look to make a strong playoff run, Sochan's addition could be a key piece in their quest for success. His journey with the team is just beginning, and fans will be watching closely to see how he integrates into the lineup.