NBA Finals: A French Player and a Knicks Player Are Guaranteed to Be Champions
May 31, 2026
Maxime Bodilis
Sochan, the Knicks’ Secret Weapon Against Wembanyama in the NBA Finals?
Jeremy Sochan gives the Knicks a unique edge against Victor Wembanyama: an intimate knowledge of the Spurs' center. Having his former teammate and friend in New York could prove decisive in the quest for the NBA title.
Mar 22, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward Jeremy Sochan (20) rebounds during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Photo Credit : © Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The Knicks enter the NBA Finals with an asset no other team has this season: Jeremy Sochan. The forward spent more than three seasons in San Antonio alongside Victor Wembanyama, building a relationship that was both professional and personal. It was actually Sochan who inspired Wemby to dye his hair blonde. Now wearing Knicks colors after being waived by the Spurs mid-season, he is ready to share his secrets.
The Jeremy Sochan x Victor Wembanyama connection, especially with Wemby as the passer and Sochan as the cutter is eerily reminiscent to the chemistry that Jokic has with Aaron Gordon
pic.twitter.com/TLDz1LS7QY— Point Made Basketball (@pointmadebball) December 15, 2024
Sochan Reveals Wembanyama’s Weaknesses
Sochan’s mission is clear but far from easy: help the Knicks contain one of the most unique and talented players in the league. And he has plenty of material to work with. « Being that tall, he gets tired… Give him different looks and be very physical with him, make him run, » he explained. « He’s going to get tired, he’s going to have to take some plays off in my opinion. » Concrete advice, drawn from two and a half years of daily coexistence on Texas courts.
Sochan played only 16 games in the regular season with New York, but his impact could extend well beyond statistics. His knowledge of the Spurs’ system represents a goldmine of information for the Knicks’ staff. « I know quite a few things, » he admitted, suggesting his intellectual contribution will be at least as important as what he brings on the court.
Jeremy Sochan shares insight on how to slow down Victor Wembanyama
“Being that tall he gets tired…Give him different looks and (not beat him up but) be very physical, and make him run. And he’s gonna get tired, he’s gonna have to take some plays off in my opinion”
(Via @nypost… pic.twitter.com/YSsWV4aQEl
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 1, 2026
During the 2023-2024 season, Sochan started 73 of the 74 games he played with San Antonio, averaging over 11 points per game. Before losing his spot in the rotation toward the end of that run, he was an undisputed starter alongside Wemby. That closeness allowed him to observe the center from every angle, both in practice and in competition.
Ball Don’t Lie
The Knicks hope this first-hand information will help them end their long title drought. Sochan, for his part, is convinced he can make a difference one way or another when the two teams meet in the Finals. An unconventional role, but potentially a decisive one in New York’s championship quest.
Victor Wembanyama — recent games
The reality of the court will show whether this inside knowledge truly tips the scales. The French big man has been scrutinized by scouts worldwide for years, and few teams have managed to limit his impact on both ends of the floor. His Conference Finals averages of 27.3 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks against a Thunder team that knows him well say it all…
With a background in sports management, Nicolas Flamecourt covers NBA news with a particular passion for the North American league, which he has been following for several years. He also covers the NCAA, including news and scouting of future prospects, and regularly conducts interviews with French players as well as players competing in Europe.
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