New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown discussed the addition of Jeremy Sochan during a press conference on Wednesday, February 18, highlighting the forward’s impact on team flexibility.
“When you look at Jeremy, you like the size right off the bat, especially for a forward. Over the years, he’s been able to guard one through five,” Brown said.
Brown emphasized Sochan’s defensive versatility and physicality as key assets. “His energy, his physicality, all those things that don’t necessarily show up in a stat sheet are welcomed by any team. We were lucky to be able to get him,” he said.
On how Sochan will fit into the rotation, Brown noted, “I’m not 100% for sure, but I do see a role for him because of the things I mentioned. I plan on trying to use him, and hopefully we can get to a point where he’s versatile enough to play one through five for us.”
Brown also addressed Sochan’s toughness on defense, adding, “Jeremy brings a level not just of what you just said, but at that size, his knack for rebounding, his ability to get out in transition. Even in San Antonio, they tried to play him at the point guard position a little bit. When you start saying that player has some nastiness or some physicality to them, that’s a pretty good thing to have.”
The Knicks coach linked Sochan’s addition with recent team needs, noting, “Anytime you can add that to your team, you add it to your team. Jose brings a level of quickness with the basketball, Jeremy brings size, versatility, and defensive toughness.”
Brown also acknowledged New York’s injury concerns and lineup flexibility. “OG’s out, or Josh or both are out, Jeremy adds the ability for us to be flexible. At the end of the day, the last two minutes of the game, he could very well be in that mix,” he said.
Regarding Sochan’s minutes, Brown clarified, “I’m not sure exactly how many minutes he’ll play, but he could be used if we need to get a stop or go with a bigger lineup that’s extremely versatile. We have to see quickly what we have in him before going into the playoffs.”
Sochan, 22, joined the Knicks on February 13 after clearing waivers from the San Antonio Spurs. He has played 28 games this season, averaging 4.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 0.6 assists in 12.8 minutes per game.
The Knicks (35-20) will host the Detroit Pistons (40-13) at Madison Square Garden on Thursday, February 19. Key absences for New York include OG Anunoby (questionable) and Miles McBride (out), while Detroit will be without Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart due to suspensions.
The Pistons have dominated the Knicks this season, including a 118-80 win on February 6. New York aims to leverage Sochan’s defensive versatility and energy to counter Detroit’s efficient offense led by Cade Cunningham, who averages 25.3 points and 9.6 assists per game.
