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CLEVELAND, OHIO – DECEMBER 05: Jeremy Sochan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs argues a call during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on December 05, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Spurs 130-117. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle addressed the departure of former teammate Jeremy Sochan on Friday after Sochan signed with the New York Knicks following his release earlier this week.
“Yeah, we talked about it already,” Castle said, according to The Athletic. “I told him, if he’s guarding me, it’s gonna be ISO.”
The Spurs and Knicks are scheduled to meet on March 1 at Madison Square Garden, marking the first game between Castle and Sochan since they played together in San Antonio.
Stephon Castle Comments on Jeremy Sochan’s Spurs Exit
Castle, last season’s NBA Rookie of the Year, said Sochan handled the final months of his Spurs tenure professionally despite a reduced role.
“I think he handled it as best as he could,” Castle said. “Obviously, he wasn’t getting the minutes that he wanted, but I don’t think his demeanor or his body language really changed. In practice, he brought the same energy. He cheered guys on, on the bench, whether he played or not. So I think he handled it like a pro.”
Castle’s remarks reflected the Spurs’ internal view of Sochan’s approach as the rotation evolved over the course of the season.
Jeremy Sochan’s Role With Spurs Changed This Season
Sochan was selected ninth overall in the 2022 NBA Draft and was initially viewed as a foundational piece of San Antonio’s rebuild.
Over his first three NBA seasons, Sochan started 149 games and averaged 27.3 minutes per game, producing 11.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists per contest. His defensive versatility earned early trust from longtime head coach Gregg Popovich, and later from interim head coach Mitch Johnson.
San Antonio experimented with Sochan in several roles, including point-forward, small-ball center and defensive specialist, as the coaching staff searched for a consistent fit alongside the team’s developing core.
Spurs Coaching Staff Addresses Sochan’s Reduced Minutes
Offensive inconsistency and ongoing role uncertainty pushed Sochan out of the Spurs’ regular rotation by December. He did not appear in recent games, including Wednesday’s 136–108 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.
Johnson said earlier this week that Sochan’s effort and professionalism were not in question.
“He’s been asked to be the role of defensive disruptor and to be a versatile piece offensively for us, and nothing has changed in that regard,” Johnson said before the Lakers game. “I know Jeremy is wanting to play more, like many of the people that aren’t playing as much — and I’m glad that he wants that. That’s the competitive mindset you have to have to be successful in this league.”
Spurs Move Forward After Jeremy Sochan’s Release
San Antonio ultimately agreed to release Sochan, allowing him to pursue opportunities elsewhere. Multiple teams expressed interest before he chose New York, according to ESPN insider Shams Charania.
The Spurs continue to evaluate their roster as they build around a young core, with Castle increasingly taking on a prominent role on and off the court.
The March 1 matchup against the Knicks will serve as the first on-court reunion between Castle and Sochan since the roster move, bringing additional attention to a game already on the Spurs’ late-season schedule.
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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