Just as quick as he hit the market, he came off it. Jeremy Sochan, who was released by the San Antonio Spurs, has reached an agreement with the New York Knicks, according to reports from Shams Charania. Sochan was courted by 10 teams, including reports that the Nuggets were one of them.
Sochan's considered an above-average defender, and Denver could have certainly used the extra help on defense, plus a healthy, able-bodied former lottery pick with upside would have been a nice addition to the roster. But it wasn't in the cards, as Sochan chose Manhattan over Denver, and the Nuggets will now have to find help elsewhere to fill one of the last two remaining roster spots.
Yes, two. The conversion from two-way to standard contract is taking longer than expected for Spencer Jones. The Nuggets and Jones' team have been in contact and are working on a deal that's "fair for both sides" to keep Jones on the roster. Negotiations may last through the All-Star weekend.
Jones has spent his time off updating his LinkdIn profile and spending time in Los Angeles with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. Jones is providing the NBA with the experience of his journey from undrafted rookie to starting 36 games this season for Denver.
Where do the Nuggets turn next?
We still don't know who will actually make it to the buyout market, but the Nuggets' pursuit of Sochan may have tipped their hand in their search. Defense is a glaring need, and Sochan is known for his defensive work. We can deduce that the Nuggets are looking to shore up that giant weakness. Which is good, it's been keeping some fans up at night.
While that last line may be sprinkled with sarcasm, it's a good metaphorical representation of the feelings fans have been getting about how good this team could be if they just got a few more stops. Put a hand in the passing lane, shuffle your feet more, and rotate a bit. A bounce this way or that, and the Nuggets are more likely 38-17, still within Phil Jackson's legendary window that produces champions. Now, statistically, they face an uphill battle.
The Nuggets will now be patient and focus on the newswire and Shams' X feed, awaiting news of the next player to hit the market. It would be great if they're a defensive-minded first player. But as Coach Adelman has previously alluded to, an able-bodied player for the injury-depleted Nuggets would still be good enough.