There's no point in arguing with Jeremy Sochan's doubters on social media at this juncture of the third-year forward's career. It doesn't matter how many stats you throw their way, proving his value to the Spurs time after time, they have decided to plant their Sochan-disdained flag in the ground and refuse to move it. Save yourselves the headache and ignore them. You'll be grateful you did.
Instead of focusing on their obtuseness, intentional or otherwise, celebrate the return of the Polish Prince. He adds dimensions to San Antonio that were sorely missed in his absence and no matter how much the detractors attempt to deny his impact, the more they prove that they just don't know ball.
Before Jeremy Sochan got injured, the Spurs were 12th in offensive rebounding and 5th in overall rebounds.
Both ranks dropped when he was out.
In the four games since he's been back, the Spurs are 4th in overall rebounding and 1st in offensive boards.
The Polish Prince pic.twitter.com/FGd08bzNMT
— Jah (@JahlilWill) December 10, 2024
Jeremy Sochan's defense and rebounding elevate the Spurs ceiling
The real criminal of San Antonio's season is attrition. Injuries have forced the Spurs to utilize four different starting lineups through 23 games, with bench players rotating in and out. Victor Wembanyama, Devin Vassell, Sochan, Tre Jones, Keldon Johnson, Zach Collins, and Charles Bassey have all missed games since NBA action began on October 24.
When so many important players miss time, rotations are thrown off. The guys need to be comfortable with what they're supposed to be doing based on who's on the court with them. When that constantly shifts, it can be difficult to find a real rhythm. For a young team still trying to find their way, it makes winning more of a grind than it already is.
They need their guys, and they need consistent attendance from the roster. Obviously, it's not like the athletes are playing hooky. You can't predict injuries. Fans just have to hope they can get healthy and stay there. People always look for a person to blame, and I guess it's easy to blame the player with green hair who shoots poorly from the outside.
Conveniently, they ignore that the Polish Prince is averaging 14.5 points per game while shooting 50% from the field. Both are career highs, but since he's not great from three, he's supposedly a detriment to the team. That couldn't be further from the truth.
The game is more nuanced than that, and Spurs fans should know this unless you're 12 years old. This organization's reputation has been built on defense and rebounding; it's been that way for decades. So, undervaluing the best versatile defender and one of the best rebounders on the team is baffling.
There's so much focus on offense these days that tunnel vision has taken hold of NBA fan bases. Usually, that's an issue to criticize athletes over. Viewers have the benefit of seeing the whole picture, and a refusal to do so is exactly that—a refusal.
Most of the people truly understand the value of defense, but since the Spurs aren't winning at a rate they can be more excited about, they have to find someone to blame. It would be more reasonable to understand that patience is needed as they're all growing into the players they're supposed to be.
None of the Spurs' core players have reached their prime, and many aren't even close. Once you realize that, you understand the journey back to the top will take more time. Sit back, relax, enjoy the excitement the guys bring, and laugh at the fist-clenchers wringing their hands at Sochan while he shines as one of the best young players in the league.