San Antonio looked like they would exceed expectations after a blistering start to their season, but they have slipped into a cold spell, losing their last six games in a row. All the early exhilaration from optimistic fans has now transformed into a desolate state of mind. While many things must change for the Spurs to improve, there are still several positive takeaways across the roster.
1.) Jeremy Sochan's newfound shooting stroke
Despite a rocky start in his first stint as a point guard, Jeremy Sochan has improved his three-point shooting. He has drained 42.1% of his shots from beyond the arc, albeit on only 1.7 attempts per game. While this might not seem like meaningful headway on its own, it is worth noting this was one of his most significant weaknesses when he entered the NBA.
The progress in his shooting percentage compared to last season is precisely what San Antonio needs. This newfound stroke could allow them to station him at small forward in certain lineups and create valuable spacing on the court. While he isn't an elite sharpshooter, keeping the defense honest can make an immense difference for the Spurs as they build a functional roster around Wembanyama.
Given their situation, it might be wise for San Antonio to consider shifting Sochan to the three and reinstating Tre Jones as their starting point guard. This move would help balance the playmaking duties and test whether the second-year forward can sustain his hot shooting. Some fans might dismiss this idea due to a lack of spacing. However, with the coaching staff experimenting with unorthodox lineups, it only makes sense for them to test this combination.