San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan was expected to be among the several European players to participate in EuroBasket. Unfortunately, after sustaining a calf injury, he will be sidelined from all activities related to the tournament.
Sochan reportedly felt some calf pain in the days leading up to the practice sessions with the Polish National Team. A statement on his absence was shared by the team’s director, Lukasz Koszarek. He said:
“We’ve given Jeremy the necessary tests. The injury isn’t serious, but there are fewer than three weeks left until EuroBasket. That’s a very short time. Jeremy is a very important part of our team. He has a great relationship with all the players and the staff, and we’re very sorry that his adventure with the National Team is ending so quickly this summer.”
A discussion between the Polish team, the Spurs, and Sochan’s family led to an agreement that it would be better for the forward to rehabilitate in San Antonio. Having missed out on the opportunity to represent Poland, the forward expressed his thoughts by saying:
“I’m very disappointed, but due to a calf injury, I unfortunately won’t be able to play for Poland at this year’s EuroBasket. I’ve been working hard for this over the past few months, and the time I’ve been training and playing with the national team has been incredible. This is a special group, and I was really looking forward to being a part of it. Fortunately, doctors predict I’ll be fully recovered by the start of training camp for the upcoming NBA season.”
Sochan also expressed his gratitude for the team, the coaching staff, and the management, extending his support for Poland in the upcoming tournament. Unfortunately, not being a part of it will be disappointing for the 22-year-old.
Although concerning, the Spurs will be relieved that the injury is only a minor one. Sochan has become an integral member of the Spurs’ rotation. As a key point-of-attack defender and rebounder, the forward brings a lot of value to the Spurs. Having him available to start the season will be essential for the team to build rhythm.
As positive as the outlook is for Sochan’s recovery, the upcoming season may not be straightforward for him.
The 22-year-old will become eligible for an extension before the start of the season. If the Spurs opt not to extend him, he will become a restricted free agent next summer.
Sochan has been mentioned in a number of trade proposals this offseason. Although the Spurs have excluded him from most negotiations, there is a growing suspicion that he could find himself on the trade block. With the arrival of a player like Carter Bryant, the No. 14 in this year’s draft, the future looks uncertain for Sochan.
When considering his averages of 11.4 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, it is evident that he is a solid contributor. At the current juncture, there are no indicators that San Antonio won’t offer him a contract. In this regard, the Spurs may simply wait to see how the season plays out before presenting him with an offer.
