When Jeremy Sochan was selected ninth overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2022 NBA Draft, he couldn't have expected that the team that believed so highly in him would go on to waive him after three seasons of solid production before that.
But that's where Sochan found himself a week ago after the Spurs failed to find a trade partner and move him before the NBA trade deadline.
The lack of interest around the league in the former lottery pick wasn't Sochan's fault as San Antonio drastically cut his playing time and limited his contributions to the team this year than in years past.
After playing in 184 games and making 149 starts between the 2022-23 and the 2024-25 seasons, and averaging 27.0 minutes per game during that stretch, Sochan saw the court just 28 times this season with no starts while averaging 12.8 minutes per game. The role restriction resulted in the 22-year-old putting up pedestrian numbers (4.1 points per game, 2.6 rebounds per game) compared to averaging 11.3 points per game and 6.1 rebounds per game over the last three seasons.
More than just his offensive numbers, though, Sochan also provided tough defense, bursts of energy, a willingness to learn and seemed to be a fan-favorite while rocking unique looks with his hair color and style.
So, after getting signed by the Knicks shortly after clearing waivers, you can imagine Sochan's excitement to get a fresh start. With at least one full practice under his belt with his new team, the 22-year-old is excited for the opportunities he's given to prove his value once again.
"It’s just seizing whatever opportunity I get," Sochan said. "And I think one of the reasons why I picked New York is it’s a very deep roster, a lot of really talented players and I think it’s a pretty cool opportunity just watching and to grow from that too.
"I still think I’m young, so just being around players that have established themselves and have done a lot of stuff in this league, I think is a crazy opportunity for me."
The power forward will have a chance right away as head coach Mike Brown plans to insert Sochan ahead of Mohamed Diawara in the pecking order, much like he did with Jose Alvarado over Tyler Kolek when Alvarado joined New York.
In 45 games, the rookie Diawara is averaging 2.7 points in 7.1 minutes per game.
"I’m versatile," Sochan said. "I can do a little bit of everything, so whatever coach wants me to do, you know, whatever gets me on the court, I’m gonna do it and I’m gonna do it 100 percent."
Having said in the past that he admires Draymond Green and his tenacity and toughness on defense, Sochan plans on bringing a similar style to his game with the Knicks. And although he's still learning from the greats in this league, Sochan wants to carve out something that's his own as well.
"At the end of the day, I wanna be Jeremy. I wanna be myself," he said. "... I bring versatility, defense, energy, a little bit of tenacity, so I can’t wait."
As for why he ended up choosing New York, Sochan said the Knicks were "always at the top" of his list of potential teams and that he had "refreshing conversations" throughout the entire organization.
Now that he's here and practicing with the team, he said it was "very natural."
"I think I embody what Mike Brown is asking from his players," Sochan said. "I’m a quick learner, so I think I’ve been doing pretty well... The way I view everything is team-first. I’m always gonna be there for my teammates on and off the court.
"I’m bringing energy, positive vibes and I think that’s the most important thing – consistency. Whether that’s on the court, off the court, I’m gonna be myself every time."