'F*** This S***!' Spurs' Jeremy Sochan Bluntly Addresses Point Guard Switch

San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan brings the ball up the court.

Normally, that sentence goes unnoticed. It's a bad lede, even, on most occasions. But something unusual about the scene makes it atypical.

Sochan is listed as a power forward on the Spurs' roster; it's a fitting description. That was, at least, until this season. Sochan remains a power forward, but he's being treated as something entirely different — a pivotal detail in coach Gregg Popovich's unconventional starting lineup.

Sochan has assumed the role of a point guard.

Simply put, "The Jeremy Sochan Experiment" is a way for both the second-year star and Victor Wembanyama to co-exist within the current construction of San Antonio's roster. Wembanyama, at this best, has freedom. He has a true center behind him and Keldon Johnson in front.

That makes Sochan the odd-man out. Devin Vassell isn't going to be relegated to the bench — especially not after his massive offseason paycheck — so, Sochan converts. Even if it isn't the most conventional solution.

“(We've) played two bigs," Popovich said. "Depends on what is going on on the court, and what the matchups are. (It's) a little bit of everything right now in the beginning of the season.”

Nov 8, 2023; New York, New York, USA; San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich talks to forward Jeremy Sochan (10) during the third quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Just nine games into the season, the Spurs have a lot of learning to do. Sochan perhaps tops that list, but while it is an ideal time to incorporate him in to the starting lineup as a point guard, the effort hasn't gone swimmingly.

Sochan is beginning to make that clear.

"You don't see a lot of people go from power forward to point guard," Sochan said. "There's been some moments where it's like: 'F*** this s***." I'm going to be honest. But there's also been moments of confidence ... knowing I have the trust of (my) coaches and teammates."

It'd be crass to say that Sochan's frustration wasn't expected. But even considering the down moments that come with learning a new position, Sochan went on to describe the steps he's taken to try and make the experiment work in its preliminary stages.

"(Off the court), I'm just watching film," he said. "Just talking to coaches, (and) to Tre (Jones). There's been a lot of moments like that. It's the first time I've ever played point guard in my life."

Jones has played a big role in the Spurs' rotation this season. When he's on the court, he provides security with the ball in his hands and a way for San Antonio to implement all of its players in their different ways. But he's just one of several teammates helping Sochan with his learning process.

"There are going to be ups and downs, and there’s going to be a learning curve," Johnson said of Sochan's point-guard transition, "but I think he’s doing a great job ... he’s making the right strides to handle those things."

Nov 10, 2023; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan (10) dunks during the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Frost Bank Center. | Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Johnson only further supported up what Sochan knew to be true — what Popovich knows to be true. The Hall-of-Famer wouldn't thrust his player into a new role without confidence in him; he's continued to give his "point guard" support.

“It's been five or six games," Popovich said. "(Sochan is) not going to be Chris Paul in six games. He's learning a lot, and he likes the challenge. Every game is an education for him on both ends of the floor."

Learning, education and time is what's going to help Sochan, Popovich and the Spurs' roster with their unconventional plan. Despite the first showing of negativity from Sochan — that's what they're giving.

Facing Miami at home will be another chance for San Antonio to work with its Wembanyama-catered, Sochan-centered lineup. Tre Jones has been ruled out with right-hamstring tightness, leaving Sochan with even more of the point-guard burden, but he's certain to provide support from the sidelines.

For Sochan, that may be even more valuable than reps.