Coming of age: Grading Jeremy Sochan's thrilling season thus far

The 12th-seeded San Antonio Spurs are experiencing a franchise-altering season. Despite having a losing record, the team is taking steps in the right direction. Victor Wembanyama and Chris Paul are developing into the dynamic duo many had hoped for, serving as the team's leaders. However, forward Jeremy Sochan may be the most important player for the Silver and Black in 2024.

Before his recent hand injury, Sochan was elevating his game in his third year, building on the disappointment of the 2023 point guard experiment. This season, after eight games, Sochan is beginning to blossom into the superstar that both coaches and fans expected him to be.

Lets dive in to the incredible season that Sochan is having, grading his play thus far.

Sochan has been the best part of the Spurs' season

After starting in seven games, Sochan is averaging 15.4 points, three assists, and seven rebounds per game. His field goal percentage has also improved significantly, rising from 43% in 2023 to 51% this season. This increase indicates that Sochan has put in substantial work to enhance his scoring abilities.

Sochan's best performance to date was his 22-point, 9-rebound game against the Houston Rockets just a week ago. Aside from the postgame altercation with Rockets guard Fred VanVleet, Sochan was the standout player, making a significant impact in all aspects of the matchup. Interestingly enough, however, the incident with VanVleet shed light on the edge that Sochan continues to mold.

When analyzing Sochan's game, it's hard not to admire his skills. His aggressiveness, high energy, and versatility make him the perfect gadget player for the Spurs. Sochan's abilities provide the team with increased flexibility in their lineups, as he can adapt to various roles within the rotation.

Whether the Spurs choose to go small for a quarter or bring in players to spread the floor in another, Sochan can seamlessly integrate into the game plan.

Thanks to his improving shooting technique, he has demonstrated an ability to score effectively in the paint and from mid-range, increasing his scoring numbers. Sochan has expanded his offensive arsenal, largely due to the more open space the Spurs have created on the floor for all players.

With a true floor general like Paul now in San Antonio, the Spurs' offense has become much more organized, resulting in players finding more open looks, and Sochan has been a primary beneficiary.

Sochan is making excellent cuts to the rim and continually moves to get open, always searching for opportunities to score. Additionally, he has improved as a passer, helping put his teammates in favorable positions to make plays. Overall, Sochan is molding into a fine offensive option for the Spurs.

Sochan has even shown remarkable improvement in defense—his calling card. This season, his fundamentals have upgraded, turning him into an exceptional team defender. Thanks to his physical attributes, he can effectively cut off opposing players' drives and make seamless switches when necessary, positioning him as a promising defensive talent for years to come.

Grade: 8/10

In terms of improvement, one could argue that Sochan has made the most significant strides in the NBA. However, it seems that Sochan isn’t focused on individual accolades; instead, he prioritizes his team's success.

In a post-practice interview last week, he expressed his thoughts about the Spurs up to this point: "I just come into work and help this team win games; it’s as simple as that," Sochan stated. "This is what I've done my whole life; I love this game," he concluded.

His teammates have praised Sochan's improvement, with Wembanyama being the first to speak up. "I think he helps us in so many ways," Wemby explained. "Whether it’s doubling, pushing the fast break, or making a crucial play at the right moment, J does it all for us."

Sochan's presence has elevated the Spurs, helping Wemby and the team send a message to the league that they are prepared to compete in the Western Conference. While a championship may not be in the immediate plans for the Spurs, they are certainly heading in the right direction.

The biggest thing Sochan needs now is to get healthy and get back on the court as quickly as he can. Luckily, it should not be too long until guard Devin Vassell returns, giving the Spurs another great scoring option while Sochan recovers.