by The San Antonio Spurs announced Tuesday evening that forward Jeremy Sochan has suffered a broken left thumb and will undergo surgery later this week.
While Spurs have not yet provided a specific timeline for his return, similar injuries often sideline players for about 20 games, or about 50 days.
The timing of this setback is significant, as Sochan was posting career-high numbers in his third season, averaging 15.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.0 steals per game in 29.3 minutes.
Sochan’s energy and versatility have made him a crucial part of the Spurs line-up, and his absence will be felt at both ends of the pitch.
With Sochan out, San Antonio will look to other young talent to fill his role.
One promising option is Stephon Castle, a 20-year-old guard and No. 4 overall pick last year with a strong defensive build and unreal athleticism. So far this season, Castle is averaging 6.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 0.6 steals in 19.9 minutes per game.
His height and raw playing style make him well suited to take on additional responsibilities, especially in defence, where Sochan has been like Dennis Rodman this season.
Additionally, injured guard Devin Vassell is expected back soon, which could help balance the rotation.
Vassell’s sheer scoring ability and perimeter defense will likely provide much-needed support and stability for Spurs in Sochan’s absence, allowing the team to maintain a competitive advantage as they wait for his return.
With Vassell close to returning to the lineup, San Antonio has an opportunity to remain competitive and continue to make progress despite this major setback.
For now, they shift their focus to the Houston Rockets, where they will face off without their star forward in a matchup that will begin on the road on Wednesday at 7:00 PM CT.
