Jeremy Sochan’s bad injury luck continues. The young forward, who missed EuroBasket with a calf injury but was slated to be available on opening night, suffered a sprained wrist at practice and will be out to start the season, the Spurs announced.
Fortunately, the injury is mild, according to the team, and he should be ready a few games into the season, as he’s day-to-day and in a similar timeline to return as De’Aaron Fox.
Sochan had missed all four preseason games the Spurs had played but participated in practice. It was unclear whether he would start for San Antonio, but he was expected to be part of the rotation. He’s been the team’s best perimeter defender in recent years and found efficiency on offense last season, playing close to the basket. There was anticipation regarding his improvement as a shooter after an offseason working on his form. Fans will have to wait a little longer to see how he looks as he enters the last year of his rookie contract.
The good news is the injury doesn’t appear serious. Sochan could miss just a few games and the Spurs have forward depth to make up for his absence. Keldon Johnson has been having a standout performance in preseason and could take some of his minutes. Harrison Barnes has not dazzled, but he’s a veteran who will be ready for the games that count. Rookie Carter Bryant has looked raw on offense but impressive on defense and could get a chance to play early. If Mitch Johnson wants physicality and rebounding, he can pair newcomer Luke Kornet with Victor Wembanyama in two-center lineups. San Antonio has options.
The injury shouldn’t affect Sochan’s year, but it could cost him some guaranteed money. The versatile forward was eligible for an extension. There haven’t been reports about talks between the player’s camp and the team, but there is still some time to negotiate, as the deadline is the day before the start of the regular season. A minor wrist sprain shouldn’t derail conversations if both sides are motivated to get something done, but Sochan saw his role reduced late last year and hasn’t been able to play all offseason. It would be hard to blame the Spurs for wanting to wait to see how he looks in games before making a big commitment.
In three years in the league, Sochan has averaged 11.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 27.3 minutes a game
The Spurs will play their last preseason games against the Pacers on Friday, October 17. They will start the regular season visiting the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, October 22.