New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown is set to incorporate recently acquired forward Jeremy Sochan into the team’s rotation in a manner similar to how he integrated Jose Alvarado last season. This decision comes as the Knicks seek to evaluate what Sochan brings to the roster ahead of the upcoming playoff push, preferring to test him before making a definitive role assignment. The move serves as an opportunity for Sochan to demonstrate his value and earn minutes over Mohamed Diawara, despite Diawara’s solid performance so far this season.
Brown’s Track Record with Young Players and Rotation Decisions
Brown emphasized his willingness to give young players a shot in the rotation, even ahead of more established veterans. Speaking after a practice at the Knicks’ Tarrytown training center, Brown explained,
“Mo’s had a good season so far as a young guy and as you guys know, I’ll play young guys. I’ve played young guys in front of vets before but I’m gonna give Jeremy an opportunity.”
This strategy mirrors how Alvarado gained substantial backup minutes following his acquisition in a three-team trade that sent Guerschon Yabusele away. Brown acknowledged Alvarado’s league experience and familiarity with officials but made clear that playing time will ultimately be earned based on who best contributes to the team.
Jeremy Sochan’s Background and Career Prospects with the Knicks
Sochan, a 6-foot-8 forward and No. 9 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, joined the Knicks after the San Antonio Spurs waived him during a season where he struggled for consistent playing time. Despite limited opportunities, he is motivated to prove doubters wrong and make a meaningful impact in New York.
“Yeah, it’s tough. In my whole career, I’ve never been sitting on the bench and getting DNPs [did not play, coach’s decision]. You go through a process of questioning why or what’s happening. It can get stressful,”
Sochan said.
“But at the end of the day, I came from England, where basketball’s not big. I know my worth. I know what I can bring to the team, and I’m blessed that the organization here has seen that.”
He added,
“I’m super excited to get a fresh slate and show what I can do.”
Strengths and Weaknesses of Sochan’s Game
Sochan is recognized for his versatility on defense, capable of guarding positions ranging from one through five, and his physical style of play fits well with the Knicks’ identity under Brown. His career averages include 10.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, showcasing his ability to contribute across multiple facets. Sochan described his play style, saying,
“[I bring] energy, the kind of mold that coach has been doing and what the Knicks have been doing and what he wants from me, I feel I can really excel in. I bring versatility, defense, energy, a little bit of that nasty, so I can’t wait.”
However, three-point shooting remains an area for improvement; Sochan has yet to surpass 31% accuracy from beyond the arc in any season since entering the NBA. Brown remains optimistic, focusing on the player’s overall impact rather than just shooting percentages, stating,
“When we put our rotation together, I try to think of how the group on the floor fits for a lot of different reasons, not just because this guy is a high-level shooter and this guy is not a high level shooter, but can this center play with this power forward? Can this guard play with this guard in terms of being able to bring the ball and handle against pressure?”
Rotation Fit and Physical Advantages Sochan Offers the Knicks
Brown highlighted Sochan’s size and versatility as key assets for the Knicks’ frontcourt depth, especially considering potential absences of players like OG Anunoby or Josh Okogie.
“When you look at Jeremy, you like his size right off the bat, especially for a four. OG is of that size but nobody else really is of that size,”
Brown said, adding,
“And you look at the versatility, over the years, he’s been able to guard one through five, and so to have that versatility on that end of the floor is huge, especially if OG’s out. We’re a lot smaller if OG or Josh or they both are out. And then [Jeremy’s] energy, his physicality, all those things that don’t necessarily show up in a stat sheet in my opinion are welcomed by any team.”
Brown remains cautious regarding precise minutes allocation for Sochan but strongly indicated the forward will be part of the rotation unless his performance does not meet expectations.
Sochan’s Perspective on His Early NBA Journey and Future in New York
Reflecting on the conclusion of his tenure with the Spurs, Sochan acknowledged the challenges of limited opportunity and differences in team fit.
“There was just no real opportunity [with the Spurs] in my opinion, and it is what it is. It’s a very deep team and maybe I didn’t see eye to eye with coach and coach didn’t see anything I could do for the team. It is what it is, and I’m just blessed to be in an opportunity where I can go and blossom,”
Sochan stated.
He also shared optimism about growing around New York’s established roster, saying,
“[Mike and I] have talked a lot, and I think it’s just seizing whatever opportunities I get, and I think one of the reasons why I picked New York was again it was a very deep roster, a lot of really talented players, and I think it’s a pretty cool opportunity to watch and grow from that as well.”
Sochan concluded,
“I think I’m young, so just being around players that have established themselves and have done stuff in this league, I think it’s a crazy opportunity for me.”
Assessing the Impact of Sochan’s Inclusion on Knicks’ Playoff Plans
As the Knicks prepare for the playoffs, Sochan’s addition provides depth and defensive versatility at a time when roster health could be an issue. Brown’s willingness to insert a young player early in the rotation signals the coaching staff’s commitment to evaluating all available talent to optimize their postseason chances. While Sochan must quickly adapt and prove his value, his physical tools and energy could be decisive factors in the Knicks’ rotation decisions moving forward.
