Jeremy Sochan has experienced a variety of positions since joining the San Antonio Spurs via the 2022 NBA Draft, with his current role becoming increasingly complex. As the Spurs continue to find optimal lineups around their rising star, Victor Wembanyama, Sochan’s playing time and responsibilities have evolved, reflecting the team’s ongoing adjustments.
According to former NBA center Marcin Gortat, Sochan’s role with the Spurs has become unclear.
“His role for the Spurs has diminished lately,”
Gortat remarked, noting how Sochan has been plugged into different spots on the court—sometimes as a center, other times as a forward, and occasionally tasked with running pick-and-roll plays. This versatility can be viewed as a positive by Sochan, but Gortat sees it differently. He explained,
“There are no set plays for him, because he’s not a ‘go-to guy’ for the Spurs … his role is still not set.”
Marcin Gortat’s Guidance to Sochan on Finding Stability
Marcin Gortat, a seasoned Polish NBA veteran with 12 years and 806 games experience across teams like the Magic, Suns, Wizards, and Clippers, has offered Sochan pointed advice to sharpen his game. Two years ago, Sochan was even assigned the unconventional task of serving as a makeshift point guard under then-coach Gregg Popovich during his final Spurs season. This experiment, however, did not significantly succeed.
Reflecting on that period, Sochan admitted,
“You don’t see a lot of people go from power forward to point guard. There’s been some moments where it’s like ‘F*** this s***’ … I’m going to be honest.”
Following that stint, he reverted to focusing on defense and serving as a lob option alongside Victor Wembanyama before sustaining a broken thumb seven games into the season. Despite the injury, Sochan showed promise in this role.
Gortat emphasized the necessity for Sochan to improve his shooting skills, both at the rim and from beyond the arc, stating,
“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.”
Given Gortat’s extensive NBA career, where he averaged more than 13 points per game only once, his insights carry weight. As a fellow Polish player, Gortat appears keen on mentoring Sochan to enhance his potential in the league.
The Evolving Role of Sochan Amid Spurs’ Team Development
As the San Antonio Spurs add new pieces to support Wembanyama, Sochan is expected to settle into a clearer role. He has already committed to improving his three-point shooting during the offseason and voiced his determination to become a better player moving forward.
“There’s a lot of different things that go into it,”
Sochan said at a June fan event.
“It’s just finding what’s best for me.”
This reflection suggests an ongoing journey to carve out a consistent and impactful presence within the Spurs lineup.
Implications for the Spurs and Sochan’s Career Path
Marcin Gortat’s candid assessment underlines the challenges facing Jeremy Sochan as he competes for a defined role alongside Victor Wembanyama, one of the NBA’s most anticipated stars. Sochan’s development, particularly in shooting and offensive decision-making, will likely determine his future with San Antonio.
As the Spurs navigate this transitional phase, Sochan’s versatility could be both a strength and an obstacle until he establishes a more specialized position. The advice from a veteran like Gortat highlights the importance of consistency and skill refinement for young players aiming to thrive at the highest level of professional basketball.
Following Gortat’s perspective and Sochan’s own commitment to growth, the coming seasons will be pivotal for the Polish forward’s career trajectory and his contribution to the Spurs’ success alongside Victor Wembanyama.