Per Marc Stein of ‘The Stein Line,’ the San Antonio Spurs’ front office has allowed fourth-year pro Jeremy Sochan to search for a change of scenery. He desperately needs a second chance before he falls off completely, and could be a buy-low target that could end up on the LA Clippers at the snap of a finger.
Sochan had three successful years in San Antonio and was around before they drafted their foundation of Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper. He was supposed to be in the same core, yet coaching staffs changed, minutes fluctuated, and for him, the Spurs became an overcrowded winning scene with too many mouths to feed.
Thus, the Spurs are content with the Baylor product moving on, and given that he is only 22, the recently-extended Lawrence Frank has his young age, plus three consistent seasons of high-quality production, to back up the idea of adding him to LA’s young core.
Jeremy Sochan would be an upgrade to the Clippers’ current power forward rotation
The LA Clippers are currently stuck with a lopsided power forward rotation. Tyronn Lue has John Collins dominating the rotation, who is backed up by Nicolas Batum, an aging wing with potential that does not eclipse the average 3-and-D level of contribution.
Granted, Sochan and Batum cannot be compared. The 18-year veteran is still shining better than the 2022 ninth overall pick, but maybe it is a different environment he needs to bounce back.
A unique style of coaching from Tyronn Lue and an enthusiastic introductory phone call and meeting from Steve Ballmer could be the perfect way to start a new journey.
Sochan’s head has been down essentially all season, averaging 4.2 points and 2.7 boards, shooting 48.0% from the floor and 25.7% from three, and that is something the Clippers’ coaches can easily change.
It is just a matter of confidence, and at the end of the day, what do the Clippers have to lose? Sochan’s contract expires, and he is a restricted free agent in the summer. The ball is completely in his court, whether he decides to prove to Lawrence Frank that offers should be matched in the summer of 2026.
That said, Sochan has the idea of a redemption arc favoring him in LA. It is difficult to comprehend a decline at the age of 22 that occurred after a sophomore and junior season that panned out exceptionally well.