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Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks.
The New New York Knicks’ commitment to toughness and defensive versatility gained another layer this week, and team captain Jalen Brunson made clear he welcomes the addition.
Brunson praised newly signed forward Jeremy Sochan during NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles, highlighting the attributes the Knicks have prioritized while reshaping their rotation after a turbulent January.
“I’m very excited to see him,” Brunson said. “I think he brings a level of toughness. From what I’ve seen, he’s a great teammate, so I’m very excited — it’s a great opportunity for us and for him.”
Knicks’ Defensive Turnaround Sets Stage for Sochan’s Arrival
Sochan joins a Knicks team that has undergone a dramatic midseason shift.
After a concerning 2–9 stretch in January, New York responded with a 10–2 surge heading into the All-Star break. Since Jan. 21, the Knicks own the NBA’s best defensive rating (101.4) and the second-best offense (119.1), resulting in the best net rating (17.7), which underscores their emergence as a legitimate championship contender.
The turnaround followed a renewed emphasis on defensive intensity, lineup flexibility, and positional versatility — traits that align directly with Sochan’s profile.
New York has continued that approach after the trade deadline, adding Jose Alvarado and now Sochan without sacrificing future flexibility.
Sochan Chose Knicks Over Nine Other Teams
GettyFormer San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan is tied up by ex-New York Knicks guard Donte DiVincenzo.
ESPN insider Shams Charania reported that Sochan selected the Knicks over nine other interested teams after clearing waivers following his release from the San Antonio Spurs.
“Sochan will sign a rest-of-season deal and give the Knicks a young, athletic wing with versatility and size,” Charania reported.
Across 212 career games with San Antonio, Sochan averaged 10.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 25.3 minutes, establishing himself as a switchable defender capable of guarding multiple positions.
That defensive adaptability has become increasingly valuable as the Knicks tailor their rotation around matchup flexibility.
Opportunity Opens With OG Anunoby Sidelined
Sochan’s arrival also comes as New York navigates life without OG Anunoby, who has missed four straight games with a toenail avulsion.
In Anunoby’s absence, head coach Mike Brown has leaned on rookie Mohamed Diawara, whose defensive energy has stood out during the reshuffle.
Diawara followed a strong showing in Boston with a productive outing in a 138–89 rout of the Philadelphia 76ers before the All-Star break, finishing with 14 points, five rebounds, two assists, and a steal.
If Anunoby remains sidelined, Sochan will have an immediate chance to compete for minutes, giving New York another multi-positional defender capable of fitting seamlessly into switching schemes.
Social Media Moment Signals Fresh Start
Sochan’s transition to New York has already resonated off the court.
Shortly after reports surfaced that he planned to sign with the Knicks, the 22-year-old posted a clip on social media showing a rain-soaked man in Times Square singing along to Empire State of Mind — a clear nod to Madison Square Garden.
The moment sparked reactions across the Knicks’ locker room.
“Oh hell no…,” Josh Hart joked.
“No way this how I find out 😂😂😂,” added Karl-Anthony Towns.
Jordan Clarkson chimed in with laughing emojis.
After the Knicks confirmed the signing, Sochan followed up on Instagram with another playful message: he was searching for a barber and considering a change in hair color — a familiar expression of personality for a player long known for bold looks.
Knicks Embrace Personality Along With Defense
The post quickly caught fire among fans, symbolizing more than just a haircut. For Sochan, it represents a fresh start after a turbulent final stretch in San Antonio. For the Knicks, it reflects the culture they’ve cultivated — one that values personality, toughness, and accountability.
As Brunson emphasized, Sochan’s fit extends beyond X’s and O’s.
The Knicks believe his defensive edge and energy can translate immediately. The personality is seen as a bonus.
And as New York continues to shape its identity around resilience and versatility, Sochan’s arrival fits neatly into a team that has rediscovered itself — and expects to stay there.
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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