Let me tell you about a player who’s been stuck in a paradox: Jeremy Sochan, the 6’8” forward who could single-handedly redefine the modern NBA if only he could shoot. Here’s a guy with the defensive IQ of a chess grandmaster, the size of a center, and the agility of a point guard. Yet, his three-point shooting is so abysmal it’s practically a sport in itself. This isn’t just a statistical quirk—it’s a narrative that screams of untapped potential and the cruel irony of talent trapped in a box. What makes this fascinating is how it reflects a larger trend in the league: the growing divide between defensive specialists and the shooting demands of today’s game.
Sochan’s story is a cautionary tale for NBA scouts. Drafted ninth in 2022 with the hype of a Draymond Green clone, he ended up on the Spurs’ list of flops—a club that includes names like Luka Samanic and Blake Wesley. But here’s the twist: he didn’t fail because he lacked skill. He failed because he couldn’t do what the league now demands. His defensive versatility is elite, but in a world where every team needs a 35-foot shooter, his inability to hit a three makes him a niche player. Personally, I think this highlights a flaw in the NBA’s evaluation system. It’s easy to overlook the value of a two-way player when the analytics crowd fixates on shooting percentages. Sochan’s 8.1 rebounds per 36 minutes and his ability to guard every position are assets that don’t show up on a stat sheet, but they’re critical in the playoffs.
Let’s talk about that free throw hitch. I’ve watched him shoot hundreds of times, and that awkward left-arm movement is a thing of beauty in its own way. It’s like watching a pianist play with one hand tied behind their back. The Spurs’ coaching staff had to intervene, suggesting he abandon his left arm entirely. That adjustment boosted his free throw percentage to 72.5%, but it’s a reminder of how fragile confidence can be. What many people don’t realize is that Sochan’s shooting struggles aren’t just technical—they’re psychological. He’s spent years trying to force a shot that doesn’t come naturally, and the result is a career field goal percentage that’s decent (47%) but undermined by that 28.6% from three. If you take a step back and think about it, this is the same problem that plagued players like Jalen Brunson and Derrick White before they found their rhythm. The difference is, Sochan hasn’t had the same luxury of time or support.
Now, the Blazers have a decision to make. They’ve signed him to a non-guaranteed deal, which is a gamble but also a statement. Micah Potter, their other option, is a three-point specialist, but Sochan’s defensive prowess is unmatched. The Blazers have enough big men to cover for Potter’s limitations, but they need someone who can guard both the three and the four. This raises a deeper question: Is it worth sacrificing shooting for defense in a league that values spacing above all else? From my perspective, the answer depends on how the team plans to build around Damian Lillard. If they’re going all-in on a rebuild, Sochan’s versatility could be a cornerstone. But if they’re trying to win now, his three-point woes might be a dealbreaker.
What this really suggests is that the NBA is still struggling to find the right formula for success. Teams are caught between the old-school value of defense and the modern obsession with shooting. Sochan embodies this tension. He’s a player who could thrive in a system that prioritizes his strengths, but the current landscape doesn’t reward that kind of player. A detail that I find especially interesting is how his free throw technique mirrors the league’s evolution. By abandoning his left arm, he’s essentially embracing a more modern approach—simplifying his mechanics to maximize efficiency. It’s a small change, but it’s emblematic of the adjustments players must make to survive in today’s game.
Looking ahead, Sochan’s future hinges on one thing: his three-point shooting. If he can crack 32%, he’ll be a rotation player. If he hits 36%, he’ll be a fan favorite. But if he stays stuck at 28%, he’ll be another cautionary tale. The good news is, he’s still young and has the tools to improve. What many people don’t realize is that shooting is a skill that can be developed, not just a genetic trait. The Spurs’ system is built on developing players, and if they’ve already helped him refine his free throws, maybe they can help him fix his three-point form too. This isn’t just about Sochan—it’s about the NBA’s willingness to invest in players who don’t fit the mold. In a league that’s increasingly obsessed with analytics, it’s refreshing to see a team take a chance on someone who plays the game the old-fashioned way. Whether that gamble pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Jeremy Sochan’s story is far from over.
