5 Spurs who are expendable, 3 they can't afford to trade

Cannot afford to trade: Jeremy Sochan

The point Sochan experiment is not resulting in wins, but it proves they are focused on his long-term development. The Spurs do not need the 6’8 forward to be their point guard when they are back in contention. They are trying to expand his playmaking and vision. That puts another creator on the floor and improves the team’s versatility.

The 20-year-old is averaging 11.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 0.7 steals in 29.0 minutes per game in his second NBA season. He is shooting 42.9 percent from 3-point range through 19 games and consistently knocking down jumpers is crucial if he wants to be a starter next to Victor Wembanyama for the next 15 years.

Sochan has immense potential, and the Spurs should be focused on his development. He may be best a rim-rolling big man or a point forward like Draymond Green. It is impossible to know. Gregg Popovich and his staff are helping him grow his game, which should be beneficial long-term even with short-term issues.

The San Antonio Spurs must figure out how to play Jeremy Sochan and Wemby together. So far this season in 346 minutes, they have a negative-16.1 net rating when on the floor. Their 100.7 offensive rating would be worst in the league and 116.8 on defense ranks 24th. Having a true point guard helps and figuring out how to make it work is a must.