NBA: Forward Jeremy Sochan waived by Spurs, becomes free agent

The San Antonio Spurs waived 22-year-old power forward Jeremy Sochan on Wednesday, giving him the opportunity to pursue a fresh start as a free agent.

Sochan, who had been a regular starter in previous seasons, fell out of coach Mitch Johnson’s rotation and played just eight minutes over the team’s last 12 games.

Despite San Antonio’s attempts to trade him before the February 5 deadline, no deal materialized, but Sochan is still expected to attract interest from multiple teams, according to ESPN.

This season, Sochan averaged 4.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.0 assist in 12.8 minutes per game over 28 appearances off the bench. He had been a double-digit scorer in each of his first three seasons.

Johnson praised Sochan’s professionalism ahead of the Spurs’ 136-108 road victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday.

“He’s been asked to be the role of defensive disruptor and to be a versatile piece offensively for us, and nothing has changed in that regard,” Johnson said. “I know Jeremy is wanting to play more, like many of the people that aren’t playing as much, and I’m glad that he wants that. That’s the competitive mindset that you have to have to be successful in this league.”

Sochan, the No. 9 overall pick from Baylor in the 2022 NBA Draft, was named to the 2022-23 All-Rookie Team. Former Spurs coach Gregg Popovich briefly used him at point guard during superstar center Victor Wembanyama’s rookie season in 2023-24.

The Spurs, who struggled in Sochan’s first two seasons with 22 wins each year, have improved significantly and were second in the Western Conference standings before Wednesday’s game against the Golden State Warriors.

—Field Level Media/Reuters