Jeremy Sochan acknowledged that his first games with the New York Knicks have been a learning process as he works to regain conditioning and adapt to a new system.
The 22-year-old forward has appeared in four contests since joining the Manhattan club after agreeing on a buyout with the San Antonio Spurs, averaging one point and one rebound in 7.5 minutes per game. His limited production reflects both a reduced role and the adjustment period that often follows a midseason transition.
“It’s a process. It’s my fourth game here,” Sochan said in an interview with the New York Post. “So we’ll figure it out. We’ll be good.”
New York dropped a 109-94 loss Tuesday to the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena, falling to 36-21 while remaining third in the Eastern Conference standings. The defeat highlighted offensive inconsistencies that have surfaced at times despite the team’s overall 7-3 record in its last 10 games.
The Cavaliers seized control with a 23-11 third quarter, holding the Knicks to 3-of-24 shooting in the period. New York finished 35-of-86 from the field and 10-of-37 from three-point range, numbers that underscore spacing and rhythm issues against set half-court defense.
Sochan’s integration comes as the rotation already features established starters in Mikal Bridges, Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. For a forward whose value is tied to versatility and defensive switching, understanding timing and positioning within Tom Thibodeau’s schemes is critical.
“I think it’s just learning how everyone wants to play. The vibe on the team and all those sorts of things,” Sochan said. “And I think it’s pretty easy for me to learn the playbook. But now it’s learning everybody’s tendencies. What they like and what don’t like. Just trying to figure out that part. That’s offense and defense, too.”
Chemistry often dictates efficiency. The Knicks’ starting backcourt combined to shoot 12-of-36 against Cleveland, and the team’s 27% mark from deep came despite facing a defense ranked near the bottom of the league in three-point percentage allowed.
For Sochan, whose minutes have fluctuated, defensive assignments and transition opportunities may provide the clearest path to impact. New York collected 44 rebounds Tuesday, including 11 offensive boards, but converted those extra possessions inconsistently.
The Eastern Conference race remains tight, with the Knicks trailing the top-seeded Detroit Pistons by seven games.
