Praise from coach Gregg Popovich can come in various forms, and while a comment that rookie forward Jeremy Sochan “isn’t impressed with the NBA or anything like that” may not come across as overly effusive, it does capture the unflappable spirit with which the 19-year-old has begun his career in San Antonio, and what’s fueled the coach’s confidence in deploying him in so many ways.
Even before getting the rare nod as a day-one starter, Sochan seemed due for an eventful rookie season. If the hair, physique and playful demeanor weren't enough to court comparisons to another dynamic forward who played in San Antonio, the number 10 jersey selection all but sealed it.