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Spurs Get Valuable Player Back for Training Camp

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Aleksandar Mishkov | Last updated Sep 27, 2025 5:00 PM ET

Jeremy Sochan was scheduled to play at the FIBA EuroBasket this summer, but he missed it due to a calf injury, with the return scheduled close to training camp. The injury put a small scare into San Antonio Spurs fans, thinking he might miss some games at the beginning of the season. Yet, according to the latest reports, he should be back for camp and be ready to contribute.

Spurs Get Valuable Player Back for Training Camp

Sochan recently spoke with a Polish journalist, talking about how his recovery is coming along and when fans can expect him back. He said:

“Step by step, things are getting better. It’s a process. I’m working hard in San Antonio and I think I’ll be 100% ready for the start of camp. I’ve missed basketball so much.”

The Spurs open training camp in one week, and they will probably have Sochan there. This season is huge for the Spurs. They are entering year three of Victor Wembanyama’s career, and they need to make valuable steps forward toward contention. Injuries prevented them from competing for a playoff spot last season. Hopefully, this season, health will be on their side and they can make a push.

Mar 23, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan (10) blocks a shot attempt by Toronto Raptors guard Ja’Kobe Walter (14) during the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Projected Spurs Starting Five With Sochan Back

The Spurs have plenty of quality players on their roster, making it hard to find an ideal starting five. Throughout his three years in the league, Sochan has started 149 out of 184 games. But for the most potent starting five, it might be better to have him come off the bench.

Three starting spots are locks for the Spurs: De’Aaron Fox, Wemby, and Stephon Castle. From there, the remaining two spots should go to shooters because Fox and Castle are not the best ones. That might mean starting Devin Vassell and Harrison Barnes.

On the flip side, Sochan does so many things for the team that it is hard to leave him on the bench. He is a great defensive player who will take risks occasionally, but will play with determination for every second he is on the floor.

The bench will be quite interesting for the Spurs. Keldon Johnson, who was one of their main guys two seasons ago, might get even fewer minutes. His minutes have gone down for the past two seasons, and we can expect that trend to continue with Dylan Harper on the roster.

Sochan Needs a Strong Season

Sochan was eligible for an extension this summer, but those talks never took off between him and the Spurs. Both sides might be waiting for next summer, but that is a challenge for Sochan. He will be a restricted free agent, and we saw how that works this summer. The good news is that there will be more teams with cap space. However, the Spurs would love to keep him. The question might come down to the price.

With a strong season, Sochan can expect to get closer to $20 million per season. But right now, it seems like role players with his skill set are paid closer to the mid-level exception at $15 million. One area he should improve is his three-point shooting. In his rookie year, he shot only 24.6% from three-point range. The last two seasons, that number has gone up to 30.8%. But that is still low efficiency. If he can get that to 36%, he will be an ideal three-and-D role player.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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