Finals insider! Sochan advises Knicks on defending former teammate Wembanyama: He tends to run out of gas easily

On June 2, Beijing time, while Jeremy Sochan essentially has no chance of seeing significant playing time in the Finals, the Knicks forward holds a wealth of crucial defensive knowledge about his old teammate Wembanyama.

Sochan started his NBA journey as the ninth pick in the first round of 2022, and only a year after that, the Spurs drafted Wembanyama. The two played together in San Antonio for two and a half seasons before Sochan negotiated a buyout with the team and was waived midway through the 2025-26 season.

After clearing waivers, Sochan signed with the Knicks, and his new team now faces his old team, the Spurs, in the Finals. In an exclusive interview with the New York Post, Sochan said: "Whether I play or not, it's crucial to share everything I know. I believe I understand him very well."

"Wembanyama's height is ridiculous, and he gets gassed easily," Sochan continued. "Keep changing defensive looks—no need to hurt him, but give him physical contact and make him run back and forth. In my view, once his stamina drops, he'll start picking and choosing which plays to go all out on."

Making his first playoff appearance, Wembanyama has been outstanding, averaging 23.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks over 17 postseason games. Last Saturday, in Game 7, he led the Spurs past the defending champion Thunder and earned the Western Conference Finals MVP.

For Sochan, having played for both the Spurs and the Knicks this season, he has already secured an NBA championship ring. Many fans joked that Sochan is along for the ride, but now it seems he at least wants to contribute to his new team, the Knicks, by sharing intelligence on Wembanyama.