OG Anunoby still has a chipped toenail, but he’s expected to be back in the starting lineup soon.
Jeremy Sochan has joined the team and, coach Mike Brown mentioned, “will get his chance.”
But who is this newcomer?
Sochan has been likened to Mohamed Diawara, who has surprised many this season while stepping up in the absence of an injured player. With impressive stats, including an average of 20 minutes per game over the last five outings and shooting 41.3 percent from beyond the arc, Diawara made quite an impression during the recent win over the 76ers, just before Sochan’s signing.
Brown has said, “I’m going to give Jeremy a chance,” highlighting that he values youth on the court. Although Diawara is showing promise, Sochan, at just 22 and in his fourth season in the league, brings some crucial experience. With only two months left before the playoffs, things need to be assessed quickly.
The frontcourt is getting back to full health with Anunoby’s anticipated return for the game against the Pistons. However, this could limit Sochan’s playing time, as he’ll be competing for minutes against Anunoby, Josh Hart, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mitchell Robinson.
Brown noted, “I don’t know how many minutes we’ll play him, but we’re going to use him,” keeping things open-ended. There’s a lot to figure out, especially with a healthy roster. Conversations between Brown and Sochan were a factor in his decision to join the Knicks amidst interest from other teams.
“Jeremy has great size for a power forward. OG has that size too, but there’s not a lot else to match it,” Brown pointed out. Sochan’s versatility in guarding different positions will be a significant asset, especially when there are injuries on the team.
Meanwhile, Brown has removed Tyler Kolek from the rotation as they gear up for Jose Alvarado’s addition, complicating things further for Sochan. His role could shift considerably given recent changes and the growth of rookie Carter Bryant in San Antonio.
Now in New York, Sochan hopes to reclaim his position and grow from this experience. “We’re going to take every opportunity we get,” he said. He finds the roster’s depth and talent a great setup for his development. Despite the pressures of the role, he’s optimistic about his ability to contribute meaningfully.
