3 Burning questions as Jeremy Sochan makes Spurs preseason debut

Precisely 205 days have passed since Jeremy Sochan last suited up for the San Antonio Spurs, and fans are itching to see him back on the court. After missing the last nine games of his rookie season, all of Las Vegas Summer League, the Silver & Black Scrimmage, and the first preseason matchup on Monday night, the promising playmaker announced he is healthy and ready to return to action.

Despite tangible enthusiasm surrounding their unofficial home opener and a long-awaited comeback for Sochan, the good guys still have housework to sort out heading into their second dress rehearsal. The 20-year-old will no doubt be one of the backbones of this budding core, but the front office must determine his ideal role on both sides of the ball as they navigate the next phase of their rebuild.

1.) How does Sochan mesh alongside Wembanyama?

This first question might be the one Spurs fans are most eager to have answered before the regular season begins. The idea of Jeremy Sochan and Victor Wembanyama teaming up to form an airtight defensive tandem should make opponents tremble in their sneakers, but how often will these young forwards share the court against Miami in their home opener?

Every reputable report has suggested San Antonio will ensure Wembanyama lines up with a natural center to reduce the physical toll his slight frame could take from battling traditional bruisers inside the paint. After the 19-year-old spent every minute of his preseason debut next to Zach Collins and Charles Bassey, it seems Gregg Popovich is sticking to that plan.

Sochan will probably see some run at small forward when the Heat visit Frost Bank Center, which has the potential to be an amusing experiment, especially since he only spent 2% of his rookie season at that position. His lack of range could shrink the floor for Wembanyama, though it is worth seeing how they play off each other on the offensive end while the stakes are low.