Jeremy Sochan‘s role with the San Antonio Spurs has been difficult to define, as the Polish forward struggles with his shooting and finishing around the rim. Despite these weaknesses, he maintained a place in the Spurs rotation due to limited alternatives. However, with the emergence of Victor Wembanyama and an influx of young talent, Sochan now faces the risk of losing his spot on the team if he doesn’t improve his game.
Marcin Gortat Offers Candid Assessment and Advice to Sochan
Marcin Gortat, who enjoyed a 12-year NBA career and is famously known for the ‘Gortat Screen,’ recently spoke out about Sochan’s development. Addressing his fellow Polish player during a podcast, Gortat pinpointed shooting as the biggest obstacle for Sochan’s growth.
First and foremost, he still has to develop his shot, which is not good enough. He needs to work on his shooting both around the rim and from outside,
—Marcin Gortat, Former NBA Player
Gortat emphasized that Sochan’s lack of reliable shooting limits his involvement, noting that the Spurs rarely design plays specifically for him, which undermines his ability to secure a defined role.
His role for the Spurs has diminished lately. He plays some minutes at the 5; he comes off the bench. Sometimes he’s more of a forward, on the other night plays a lot in the pick and roll (he’s really good at it). There are no set plays for him because he’s not a ‘go-to guy’ for the Spurs. Because of that, his role is still not set,
—Marcin Gortat, Former NBA Player
Increasing Depth in Spurs Roster Threatens Sochan’s Playing Time
The Spurs’ roster now features strong young players including Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, and rookie Carter Bryant, all adding valuable options alongside Victor Wembanyama. Veterans like Harrison Barnes offer leadership and shooting off the bench, further crowding the rotation. In this environment, Sochan faces significant challenges in securing consistent minutes.
Keldon Johnson represents another tough competitor for playing time, offering more reliable shooting and experience, making the battle for minutes even tougher for Sochan. With the Spurs building a team expected to contend for a championship in the near future, every player must bring distinct strengths to maintain their spot.
Sochan’s Future Hinges on Major Improvement in Shooting Skills
Gortat’s warning highlights the urgency for Sochan to address his shooting deficiencies if he wishes to remain a consistent part of the Spurs’ rotation. As the team strengthens around Wembanyama and elevates its talent depth, Sochan must adapt quickly or risk being sidelined in a competitive roster aimed at title contention within a few years.