Jeremy Sochan Embraces Fresh Start with Knicks

Jeremy Sochan showed up with his hair dyed in the Knicks’ colors, eager to put behind him a less-than-stellar ending in San Antonio.

“Honestly, I feel like I didn’t really get a fair shot,” Sochan reflected on his time with the Spurs, where he was waived last week before signing with the Knicks. “The team was quite deep, and maybe I didn’t quite connect with the coach. It seemed he didn’t see how I could contribute.”

“But, you know, that’s just how it is. I’m grateful for this chance to grow and show what I can do.”

Before this season, Sochan being available on the buyout market would have been a surprise. He logged over 25 minutes per game across three seasons and earned a spot on the 2023 First Team All-Rookie Team.

However, he didn’t mesh with the new head coach, Mitch Johnson, who took over from Gregg Popovich. Sochan found himself sitting out games regularly, particularly before the All-Star break. Sources indicated that his inconsistent jump shot played a significant role in limiting his playing time.

His three-point shooting percentage has been below 30%. Though he had built a reputation for solid defense, it hasn’t translated to playing time this year.

“It’s tough. Reflecting on my career, I’ve never faced a situation where I was benched like this. It brings up a lot of questions,” Sochan commented. “It can be stressful, sure. But then again, basketball isn’t as huge in England. I understand my worth. I’m excited about what I can bring to this team, and I feel blessed to be with this organization.”

The Knicks had shown interest in Sochan during the trade deadline, but the Spurs weren’t keen on offers that included Gershon Yabusele. Therefore, when he hit the buyout market, the Knicks seized the opportunity.

The plan for Sochan is to fill the role of backup power forward. Manager Mike Brown expressed intentions to evaluate his skills before the playoffs arrive. He’s also looking to start anew with the Knicks, moving past his previous experiences.

“I can’t even begin to express how excited I am. The culture here, the Knicks, and New York overall—it’s incredible and vibrant. It feels global, which resonates with me,” said Sochan, who has a Polish mother and was raised in England. “I can’t wait to grow alongside this city and this team.”