There are too many trolls on the internet for athletes to address these days, but it's still nice when they respond occasionally. OKC fans are on cloud 9 after their championship victory and poking at the Spurs for two reasons: San Antonio is their rival, so they're just going to be annoying, but they're also aware of what's coming down the pike. Whether they're scared or not will vary from fan to fan, but they're certainly aware.
That's why, after Spurs Nation was found praising Carter Bryant's jaw-dropping defensive feats through the Summer League, they'll do things that don't make any sense, like talk smack about Jeremy Sochan. But the Polish Prince would have none of the disrespect, and simply checked the user on Elon Musk's social media platform in a very calm and collected manner.
Check the tape please :) xx
— Jeremy Sochan (@JeremySochan) July 13, 2025
He even threw a smile in there. Nothing more needed to be said here. It was polite, straightforward, and it got the job done. If anyone out there seriously doubts Sochan's ability as a defender, just go do your research.
Sochan and Bryant will wreck offenses next season
You don't have to look very hard to find highlights or stats proving how impactful the Polish Prince is on defense. He's the kryptonite to the Supermen around the league. We've seen it on display time after time. Sochan may have shortcomings as an offensive player—something he's been working hard to address—but when it comes to stopping guys from going crazy, he's one of the best in the league.
Jeremy Sochan Career Defensive Field Goal Percentage (DFG%) Vs. All-Stars/All-Star Caliber Players :
— Stat Defender (@statdefender) February 28, 2025
1. Paolo Banchero — 25.0%
1. Scottie Barnes — 25.0%
3. Julius Randle — 28.6%
4. Tyrese Haliburton — 31.3%
5. LaMelo Ball — 33.3%
6. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander —… https://t.co/xRhS5mFK2J pic.twitter.com/buh0m2spCF
Carter Bryant is cut from the same cloth, and you've already seen it on display in the Summer League. This kid is leaping out of his socks for blocks and steals; he hustles his heart out every play, showing he's committed to the process. The offense for Bryant hasn't been there, so that will be a concern to some, but his shooting mechanics tell us he's going to be just fine.
Right now, he seems to be pressing a little bit. He's anxious and has a ton of energy. You can tell how much he cares, and that could be the reason why he seems tight on that end. That will get better the more he plays, especially when he's settling into his role on the actual team when the real games start.
Put him on the floor with Sochan and watch them frustrate their opponents. They're quick, strong, and long enough to bother anyone in the league. While the former Baylor stud doesn't necessarily jump out of the gym, he has the size and timing to block shots, while Bryant will block them with his freakish athleticism. It's going to be a problem.
If Victor Wembanyama is protecting the rim behind them, they can play aggressively, staying in the chest of the ball handler. There won't be many places you can go for a switch. The Spurs now have too many talented defenders to throw at teams. I haven't even mentioned Stephon Castle, and if Dylan Harper is no slouch either. Check the tape.