The New York Knicks have been reshaping their roster throughout the season to deepen their lineup, highlighted by acquiring Jose Alvarado at the trade deadline and signing Jeremy Sochan after his release from the San Antonio Spurs. Sochan, however, has faced difficulties securing meaningful minutes in the rotation, appearing for only five minutes in the Knicks’ recent defeat to the Cleveland Cavaliers, raising questions about his role moving forward.
Challenges and Optimism in Jeremy Sochan’s Early Time with New York
Jeremy Sochan’s integration into the Knicks’ lineup has been slow, with just 20 minutes across three games and a minimal impact on the scoring sheet with two points total. Known primarily for his defensive skills, Sochan’s ability to contribute offensively is critical to the Knicks’ ambitions, especially as they chase a playoff spot. Despite a tough start, Sochan remains confident that his situation will improve as he adapts to his new environment.
It’s a process. It’s my fourth game here,
Sochan said during an interview with Stefan Bondy of the New York Post.
So we’ll figure it out. We’ll be good.
Having spent the early years of his professional career with the Spurs, Sochan is facing a learning curve adjusting to Mike Brown’s system and coordinating with key players like Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, as well as fellow wings Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby. These elements have slowed his initial contributions but also provide growth opportunities.
It’s my first time adjusting to a different dynamic,
Sochan explained.
So it’s going to take some time to figure out and, of course, I haven’t been in a lot of game shape. So altogether there are going to [be] ups and downs. But I’m blessed and excited to be in this situation. And I truly believe I can add to this team.
Sochan’s previous seasons included averages of at least 11 points per game, but he will need to better understand his teammates’ playing styles to enhance his impact with New York.
I think it’s just learning how everyone wants to play. The vibe on the team and all those sorts of things,
he said.
And I think it’s pretty easy for me to learn the playbook. But now it’s learning everybody’s tendencies. What they like and what [they] don’t like.
Knicks’ Rotation Decisions Weigh Sochan Against Emerging Talent
While Jeremy Sochan maintains confidence in carving out a role, his position on the roster is far from guaranteed as the Knicks evaluate their wing depth heading into the closing weeks of the regular season. Rookie forward Mohamed Diawara has been gaining traction through his efficient shooting performance, posing significant competition for minutes on the court.
Sports analyst Dan Favale, writing for Bleacher Report, highlighted Diawara as a player who deserves more playing time due to his shooting ability, a highly valued asset for New York’s strategy.
Mohamed Diawara looked like a viable reserve wing entering the All-Star break—a huge deal for a New York Knicks team that doesn’t technically have any,
Favale observed.
Favoring the more experienced Sochan is tempting, but could also be a mistake. While he is more of a ball-mover and has real one-on-one defensive chops, Diawara has proven to be the more reliable as a three-point shooter.
This season, Diawara is shooting an impressive 40.3% from beyond the arc and possesses the physical tools potentially to become a sturdy defender with further experience. Given the Knicks’ emphasis on spacing and shooting, Diawara’s offensive dependability could make him a preferable option for head coach Mike Brown despite his relative inexperience on defense.
He isn’t going to deliver shutdown possessions against Jaylen Brown every night, but he can be moved around the positional spectrum just as easily,
Favale added.
Given how defenses still guard Josh Hart and the importance of a non-spacer like Mitchell Robinson, Diawara should be treated as the higher priority over Sochan so long as he’s the more dependable three-point threat.
As the Knicks enter the final stretch of the regular season, they face a challenging decision between Sochan’s experience and Diawara’s promising potential. The competition for the backup wing spot will be an important storyline to watch as New York aims to solidify its roster for the playoffs.
Bing Bong! https://t.co/Iph3w0fXlp
— Jeremy Sochan (@JeremySochan) February 14, 2026
