Where Does Spurs' Jeremy Sochan Fit Alongside No. 1 Pick Victor Wembanyama?

Ahead of his second season, Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan has improvements to make to his game, and depending on how that pans out, his role could be diminished next to Victor Wembanyama.

One of San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan's most noticeable qualities is his energy, both on and off the court. 

Between his ear-to-ear smile, to his postgame-interview laugh and even his Polish accent, Sochan has quickly become a fan favorite when he isn't wearing his jersey, though if you asked Jeremy, he'd probably say that's no surprise. 

That was his goal right from the jump, after all. 

San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan being guarded by Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray

"I'm just going to bring it," Sochan said immediately after being drafted by San Antonio. "My energy is going to be there off the court and on the court. I'm going to have fun with it, but I'm going to play hard and work hard [as well]."

On the court, Sochan has worked hard. Last season, the 20-year-old forward started in 53 of the Spurs' 82 games, averaging 11 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists in those games. A late-season knee injury cut his season short, but now, Sochan's focus is on returning to the floor even better than he was. 

The only issue with that, however, is where he'll fit in San Antonio's system now that Victor Wembanyama is the new face in town.

"As with most things in San Antonio this season, Sochan’s development and value will hinge on his place in orbit around phenom draftee Victor Wembanyama," NBA.com wrote. "Given the Spurs’ plan to use the new guy at power forward, Sochan will need to boost his shooting if he hopes to siphon time at small forward from Keldon Johnson." 

Stealing minutes from Johnson certainly isn't Sochan's goal, but at some point, that could end up being the case if Wembanyama earns his expected minutes. Now that he's in the fold, Popovich is going to look to him on offense, especially if his jump shot continues to develop. 

So where does that leave Sochan?

From the floor, Sochan shot just 24.6 percent and 14.7 percent from the 3-point corners, and only 45 percent on all shots. The mark isn't anything to just glance over, but it does need improvements if the rising second-year wants to earn his time alongside his foreign teammate. 

But despite some of his shooting improvements, Sochan has a strong upside on defense — complete with a Defensive Player of the Year ceiling, if all goes well. So, Sochan could lean on that, which would only improve the Spurs' down low defense with Wembanyama. 

However it shakes out, Popovich is going to put Sochan where he feels he'd thrive most. And if that's coming off the bench, Sochan might have to live with it, though his off-court leadership would certainly set a positive example for other players in a similar situation. 

Sochan just has to prove himself this season, which is something he's already got atop his list.