Surprising Jeremy Sochan free agency twist proves Spurs were right all along

Former San Antonio Spurs lottery pick Jeremy Sochan has found a new home, though his new contract comes with a catch that proves the Silver and Black were right all along. Sochan signed a non-guaranteed one-year deal with the Portland Trail Blazers, meaning he will have to battle it out in training camp to make their roster.

That's a surprising turn of events after having been selected ninth overall a little more than three years ago. Fortunately for him, he signed with the New York Knicks after being released by the Spurs last season and won a championship.

Unfortunately for Sochan, he never managed to carve out an actual role with New York but is hoping to do so with the Blazers.

The Spurs were right all along about Jeremy Sochan

Coach Mitch Johnson's decision not to play Sochan last season, even when healthy, has aged incredibly well. He wisely realized that his lack of shooting would never work when paired with Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle.

Instead, he prioritized spacing by having at least two shooters on the floor alongside Wemby at all times. The results speak for themselves.

San Antonio's best lineups and terms of net rating last season featured De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes or Julian Champagnie, and Wembanyama. Despite his defensive versatility, in no world would a starting lineup featuring Sochan at power forward have worked.

The Spurs moved on from Jeremy Sochan at the right time

The Spurs' 2022 NBA Draft might go down as the worst in team history after Sochan failed to pan out. Going 0-3 in the first round isn't great. Especially after the 2021 NBA Draft saw them select Joshua Primo. Moving on.

It isn't all bad. The Spurs pulled Champagnie off the scrap heap and resurrected Barnes' career. Both helped the Silver and Black make the NBA Finals last season and soften the blow of Sochan not working out.

Drafting Carter Bryant and the addition of Tobias Harris also gifted the Spurs more depth at forward. All of that is to say that they don't miss Sochan, though I'm sure they wish him well.

Ironically, the Blazers have become sort of a landing spot for former Spurs. Drew Eubanks, Blake Wesley, Sidy Cissoko, and possibly now Sochan are recent Spurs to also play for the Blazers.

If he were to make their roster, he could potentially carve out a role on an improved Portland team that could again face San Antonio in the playoffs. That could mean the Spurs see more of Sochan in the near future.

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