Spurs' controversial roster decision looks genius now after surprise update

With one quarter of the season now in the books, we now have a much clearer picture of how the San Antonio Spurs' roster looks. For the most part, both players and the team are exceeding expectations, though one player continues to struggle to find his footing: Jeremy Sochan.

This was supposed to be his breakout season—and it still might be-- but it's been a rough start with him now averaging a career-low 6.4 points per game, and it doesn't bode well for his future in San Antonio. He quickly fell behind when he missed the preseason and the start of the regular season, giving newcomer Luke Kornet a chance to establish himself.

Kornet clearly has earned the trust of coach Mitch Johnson with his rebounding, rim protection, screen setting, and finishing ability at the rim. That has prevented Sochan from getting more playing time, and when he has been on the floor, he's been a mixed bag.

Defensively, he hasn't been quite as effective as he's been in recent years, and his 3-point improvement hasn't quite happened just yet. As a result, he's averaging just 17.1 minutes per game—the lowest of his career. That makes the decision for the Spurs not to sign him to a contract extension over the summer a smart one.

Time's running out for Jeremy Sochan to prove himself to the Spurs

With Victor Wembanyama missing time, Sochan has the perfect opportunity to step up but hasn't really done so thus far. In fact, it's hard to argue that he hasn't played up to even his performance level last season.

That seemingly makes clear that he doesn't have a future on the Spurs. After all, Harrison Barnes somehow looks as good as he's ever been in the NBA, even at age 32, seemingly securing his place as the starting power forward for the next couple of seasons barring a steep dropoff.

Then there's Carter Bryant, who is similar in size to Sochan but has already shown more shooting touch as a 19-year-old rookie than Sochan has in three-plus seasons. Sochan obviously is still an NBA player, but his lack of shooting really puts a limit on his ceiling on the Spurs.

It's entirely possible he could thrive elsewhere where they have shooting at every position, but the Spurs don't have that kind of team. If a playoff team were to offer a first-round pick, even a late first, the Spurs should at least consider it.

Especially since they seem unlikely to bring him back on a new contract next season, unless it's for cheap—we're talking $12 million annually, or less. Barring that, the Spurs were wise to hold off on extending Sochan, forcing him to prove himself. Unfortunately, he hasn't thus far, giving them the flexibility to move on from him if necessary.