NBA analysts say the quiet part out loud about Jeremy Sochan

The San Antonio Spurs' preseason came and went with no signs of forward Jeremy Sochan. Missing preseason normally shouldn't register concern, but Sochan is entering a make-or-break season that could have huge ramifications.

Spurs fans have been playing a guessing game when it comes to Sochan and a potential rookie contract extension. That's fitting because it's anyone's guess as to what his value is.

He apparently spent the summer working on improving his shooting with offseason videos showing off an improved form. If he really learned how to shoot, then he'd be worth $25 million a season.

If he didn't, then well, he might not be worth much, at least to the Spurs. Speaking of that, on their latest podcast, NBA analysts John Hollinger and Nate Duncan both agreed the team shouldn't extend Sochan.

Hollinger, who was responsible for creating Player Efficiency Rating (P.E.R.) and worked in the Memphis Grizzlies front office for years, took it a step further. He said they should outright trade him. The ironically named Duncan agreed.

The Spurs must keep their options open with Jeremy Sochan

At first glance, the thought of trading Sochan seems wildly premature. Maybe it is, but they brought up several great points. Duncan mentioned the Spurs shouldn't be paying a non-shooter in Sochan, given they already have several non-shooters.

Paying Sochan means they'd have to play Sochan, and he is right; the Spurs have a ridiculous amount of non-shooters in their rotation. Six players in their 10-man rotation are below-average shooters, including Sohan, so the prospect of paying him $15 million to $20 million a year is concerning, to say the least.

For one, the Spurs have already found cheaper alternatives to Sochan, with Harrison Barnes being the perfect complement to Victor Wembanyama. Also, with the Spurs dramatically upgrading at backup center, that means that Sochan won't be able to play the five this season.

That would seemingly cap his role to being a backup who plays around 24 minutes a game. Perhaps less with Luke Kornet likely to share the floor with Wembanyama, serving after the de facto power forward in those lineups.

Jeremy Sochan might play a smaller-than-expected role

In that case, Sochan might only average around 20 minutes a game this season. To his credit, he played well last season, even dramatically improving his efficiency, though he actually regressed as a shooter.

Assuming he is at least as good as last season or, perhaps hopefully, better, he could still potentially carve out a role on this team going forward. Still, he will have to prove that he can gel with the new-look Spurs.

Barnes is 33 years old and in the final year of his contract, while Sochan is playing for his second deal. Assuming the Spurs don't offer him an extension, Sochan could ball out, earn a big pay raise in restricted free agency, and return as a starter next season.

That would be the best possible scenario for both sides. The Spurs wouldn't overcommit to a player who has potential but hasn't proven that he can mesh with the team's young core. However, if he doesn't show much improvement, then San Antonio should consider their trade options, especially with Carter Bryant in the pipeline.

All told, the Spurs may not have as big a need for Sochan with better-fitting pieces already in place. That means the Spurs shouldn't look to extend him, and Sochan will have to prove he belongs or risk possibly being traded.