The New York Knicks have officially signed former San Antonio Spur Jeremy Sochan. Sochan officially cleared waivers on Friday night, a day after Shams Charania reported he would do so. The Knicks reportedly beat out nine other teams for the services of the 22-year-old. The Knicks can sign him now thanks to Guerschon Yabusele.
What Will Jeremy Sochan Bring To The Knicks, and How Will His Addition Affect Mike Brown’s Rotation?
Sochan, the No. 9 pick in the 2022 draft, and the Spurs agreed to a mutually beneficial buyout agreement on Wednesday. Sochan had been a major part of the Spurs rotation the past three seasons, but saw his role significantly reduced this year as the Spurs upgraded their talent. He averaged 4.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.0 assists with shooting splits of 47.5/25.7/68.8.
New York entered the trade deadline just $148,000 below the second apron, but they were able to increase that sum to $1.15 million by trading Yabusele despite also acquiring Jose Alvarado. The Knicks also have an open roster spot.
The reason that Yabusele gets the assist is likely that the Chicago Bulls wouldn’t have willing to take him on if he had not declined his $5.5 million player option for next season. Sochan will get the prorated minimum from the Knicks.
What Will Jeremy Sochan Bring To The Knicks?
Sochan is a versatile forward known more for his defense, though he has the skills to be an offensive connector. His true value lies in the energy he brings, his ability to guard all five positions, and his ability to manage offensive possessions.
Defense is Sochan’s calling card. Sochan is a disruptive force who can guard all five positions and is comfortable marking elite scorers without fouling.
Offensively, Sochan is comfortable with the ball in his hands, but is not a shooter or scorer. He is at his best in pick-n-rolls, dribble handoffs, and transition. In addition, he is an outstanding offensive rebounder.
Sochan averages 10.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.0 assists with shooting splits of 47.5/25.7/68.8 in 212 career games. He has also produced 17 double-doubles. Over 55% of his shots have come from within 10 feet of the basket.
The biggest reason that Sochan drew interest from the Knicks is to toughen up their perimeter defense heading into the playoff stretch, per Josh Benjamin of Elite Sports NY.
“It’s clear why the Knicks are signing Jeremy Sochan, ” Benjamin wrote. “They’re toughening up the team’s perimeter D ahead of the playoffs. New York has gotten shellacked not once but twice by the top-seeded Detroit Pistons this year, and they were shorthanded both times, too.”
Sochan should also be able to instill toughness and physicality while also causing some chaos defensively. He has a high motor and is willing to do the little things.
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