A couple of days after the San Antonio Spurs exercised team options on the rookie contracts of Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle, they let the deadline expire on Jeremy Sochan’s first deal. The ninth overall pick of the 2022 NBA Draft might now become a restricted free agent next summer. That would happen if the Spurs tender the former Baylor Bear a qualifying offer before June of 2026.

While Sochan has had to navigate a wide range of realities since arriving in San Antonio, including a trial at point guard to start the 2023 to 2024 season, it’s also fair to call his first three years as a pro underwhelming. During that span, the 6 foot 8 forward’s statistics have remained largely unchanged.

Sochan sidelined again with injury concerns

Coming off a year in which he averaged 11.4 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists in just 54 games because of injury, Sochan is sidelined once again with a wrist concern. Getting ready for the Eurobasket, he tweaked his calf during the summer, the 22 year old explained on Media Day.

Some minor injuries complicated his recovery, though he noted it hasn’t been too bad. It’s been a long process recovering with highs and lows, but he feels good now, which is the most important thing.

While Sochan’s stats haven’t deviated much, his shooting percentage has varied significantly. A 45% and 44% shooter from the field in previous seasons, he shot 54% last season. The work on his form includes a one handed free throw stroke that has drawn attention.

Working to refine shooting mechanics

It’s been a long process improving his shot, and it’s not always going to be perfect. A couple of things being worked on include wrist placement, elbow positioning, how he raises the ball, how he catches the ball and footwork. There have been a lot of different things to address, he told members of the local media.

But he thinks he’s in a good place now and is super excited to show that improvement. Sochan’s summer work wasn’t just confined to his stroke, as he hopes to help the team to a winning record for the first time during his tenure.

For him, it’s all around working on everything. Strength and conditioning has been really important. The type of player he is, he plays pretty aggressive and physical. So just getting his body right for 82 games is really important to his approach.

On court, it’s the same focus. Working on his shot, his ball handling and just reading the game on both sides of the court has really been the emphasis during the offseason preparation.

Spurs priorities shift toward new core

Much has been made about the Spurs’ logjam at point guard. The truth is that Stephon Castle, De’Aaron Fox, who’ll also miss the start of the regular season with injury, and Dylan Harper next to Victor Wembanyama will make up the identity of these Spurs going forward.

It’s a reality that means Sochan, Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson, once the pieces that primarily flanked their generational big man and all still young, have to take on lesser roles. Johnson and Vassell served as the organization’s top two scorers the year before Wemby arrived, while Sochan qualified as an NBA Rising Star that same season.

That doesn’t mean their days are numbered with the franchise. It does mean the Spurs’ big dollar priorities are elsewhere as they construct a roster around their franchise cornerstone. The decision not to exercise Sochan’s option sends a clear message about how the front office views the hierarchy of their young players.

Contract decision reflects changing landscape

The contrast between exercising options for Wembanyama and Castle while letting Sochan’s deadline pass illustrates the organization’s vision for its future. Wembanyama represents the foundation upon which everything else is built, while Castle appears to be viewed as a key complementary piece in the backcourt.

Sochan’s situation places him in limbo. As a potential restricted free agent, he could test the market next summer while the Spurs retain the right to match any offer. This scenario gives San Antonio flexibility while signaling that the forward isn’t viewed as untouchable in their long term plans.

The move also reflects the harsh realities of roster construction in the modern NBA. Young players drafted high must prove their value quickly or risk being surpassed by newer prospects. Sochan’s inconsistency and injury troubles have left him vulnerable as the franchise reshapes its identity around Wembanyama.