The New York Knicks have a golden opportunity with Jeremy Sochan, a defensive powerhouse who recently signed on for the rest of the season. His presence on defense could be a game-changer, but the key lies in how the Knicks choose to utilize him.
Maximizing Sochan’s Potential
Head coach Mike Brown mentioned prioritizing Sochan over rookie Mohamed Diawara after the All-Star break. However, against the Detroit Pistons, it seemed like Diawara was still getting the bulk of the minutes. Sochan only saw brief action in the first half, but his impact was undeniable when he got more time on the court in the second half.
Sochan was the lone Knick to put up a fight against Cade Cunningham, who poured in 42 points. Notably, Sochan blocked a Cunningham layup attempt at the end of the third quarter, showcasing his defensive prowess.
Coach Brown commented, “He hadn’t played in a while, but most of the time that he was on the floor and guarding Cade, there was a physicality to it, and we liked that. We need it.”
A Defensive Catalyst
Deploying Sochan earlier might have altered the outcome, as the Knicks fell to the Pistons 126-111, continuing a tough streak against Detroit this season. The Knicks have struggled defensively, being outscored significantly over their matchups with the Pistons.
To turn things around, the Knicks need to explore Sochan's potential before the postseason. If he can consistently deliver performances like the one against Detroit, Sochan could become an invaluable asset as the team heads into the playoffs. His defensive skills might just be the spark the Knicks need to elevate their game.