The New York Knicks are bolstering their roster with a strategic addition as they set their sights on championship contention, just ahead of the NBA All-Star break in mid-February.
In a move that has caught the attention of the league, the Knicks are bringing in Jeremy Sochan, the ninth overall pick from the 2022 NBA Draft, on a minimum contract for the remainder of the season. Sources within the league confirmed this to the Daily News, following an initial report by ESPN regarding Sochan’s decision to join the Knicks after parting ways with the San Antonio Spurs.
Sochan, who earned a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2023, has shown promise with averages of 11.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. Known more for his defensive acumen and dynamic play-making abilities, Sochan has a career three-point shooting percentage of 28.7%.
According to ESPN, Sochan was a sought-after player, with interest from ten different teams. Ultimately, he opted for the Knicks, drawn by their vision and potential.
League insiders revealed that the Knicks had already set their sights on Sochan during the NBA Trade Deadline on February 5. Although they initially pursued him, they ended up trading Guerschon Yabusele to the Chicago Bulls in a three-team exchange that brought them Jose Alvarado. Alvarado made a notable impact in the recent victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, scoring 26 points and hitting eight three-pointers. The Knicks consider both Sochan and Alvarado as key acquisitions from the trade deadline period.
At 22, Sochan brings career averages of 10.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, along with solid defensive stats that include roughly one steal and half a block per outing. Before being waived by the Spurs, he had appeared in 28 games this season.
The Knicks, according to league sources, view Sochan was a young player with high upside as a versatile defender who can also handle the ball and make plays for his teammates on offense. The 6-foot-8 forward joins a thin Knicks front court featuring Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson as the only experienced centers, plus OG Anunoby and rookie Mohamed Diawara as the only size appropriate options at the four spot.
Sochan joins an improved second unit set to support a stacked starting five of Towns, Anunoby, Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart. The Knicks now believe they can trust 15 players in their rotation, as Sochan joins Robinson, Alvarado, Diawara, Landry Shamet, second-year players Tyler Kolek, Ariel Hukporti and Kevin McCullar Jr., plus the injured Miles McBride (pelvic surgery).
