Spurs Teammates React to Jeremy Sochan's Departure From San Antonio

Sochan's former teammates share their thoughts on his move to the New York Knicks.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Jeremy Sochan's former San Antonio Spurs teammates, including Stephon Castle and rookie Dylan Harper, expressed their support for Sochan as he departs the team to join the New York Knicks. The players highlighted Sochan's positive attitude and energy, even as he fell out of the rotation, and wished him well in his new opportunity.

Why it matters

Sochan was a popular and respected teammate during his time in San Antonio, and his departure marks the end of an era for the Spurs. The reactions from his former teammates provide insight into Sochan's character and the impact he had on the team, even as his playing time diminished.

The details

Stephon Castle, Sochan's close friend and teammate, said he's "happy to see him in a situation that he feels is better for him" and just wants Sochan to "have his joy back while playing basketball." Rookie Dylan Harper praised Sochan as a "great teammate" and "vet" who helped him learn the Spurs' traditions. Head coach Mitch Johnson acknowledged Sochan's desire for more playing time and said the team wanted to "do right by him and make sure that he had that opportunity before the year was over."

  • Sochan's final appearance for the Spurs came in a blowout loss against the Mavericks on February 8, 2026.
  • Sochan posted a farewell message to San Antonio on social media on February 12, 2026, after news of his departure broke.

The players

Jeremy Sochan

A 22-year-old defensive specialist who was drafted by the Spurs in the lottery less than four years ago and has now departed the team to join the New York Knicks.

Stephon Castle

A Spurs guard who was close friends with Sochan, describing him as "my guy" and saying they "hang out all the time off the court, play video games together."

Mitch Johnson

The head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, who acknowledged Sochan's desire for more playing time and said the team wanted to "do right by him" before the end of the season.

Dylan Harper

A rookie with the Spurs who praised Sochan as a "great teammate" and "vet" who helped him learn the team's traditions.

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What they’re saying

“I'm happy to see him in a situation that he feels is better for him. I just want to see him have his joy back while playing basketball.”

— Stephon Castle, Spurs guard (SI.com)

“He brought great energy, and a playfulness about him that made him fun to be around. Someone that was a big part of our program, and someone that, (we) wish him nothing but the best.”

— Mitch Johnson, Spurs head coach (SI.com)

“He was a great teammate, he was a great vet to me. I think from day one, when I came in, he kind of helped me in a sense of just competing and just learning the Spurs' traditions. Seeing him go, obviously, he's a business, but you know, hopefully wherever he lands at next he does a great thing. I'm rooting for him always.”

— Dylan Harper, Spurs rookie (SI.com)

What’s next

The Spurs and Knicks will face off on March 1 at Madison Square Garden, where Sochan's former teammates will get a chance to compete against him in his new uniform.

The takeaway

Sochan's departure from the Spurs marks the end of an era, but his former teammates have expressed their support and wish him well in his new opportunity with the Knicks. The reactions highlight Sochan's positive impact on the team and the respect he earned from his peers, even as his playing time diminished.