As Mitch Johnson assumes a bigger role and more trust from the San Antonio Spurs' organization, he has been tasked with making changes, and one major move has ruffled feathers.
Gregg Popovich may be "El Jefe" and remains President of Basketball Operations, but he isn't the one calling shots on the sideline. As the San Antonio Spurs sit second in the Western Conference, it's safe to say that Mitch Johnson has done a solid job so far.
He's added his own support staff while keeping some longtime Popovich confidants by his side. He's balanced the Spurs' traditions while also taking unavoidable steps as he becomes more and more a decision maker within the organization.
For the most part, the moves and choices he's made (namely, being conservative with Victor Wembanyama's calf recovery) have been in line with what fans would have expected from Popovich. However, one major coaching choice deviates strongly from Pop's vision.
"He's been a great player to watch," Pop said in 2023. "He does so many different things, you don't know what he's going to do exactly. But he throws it out there, he competes, he guards one through five, he's a point guard, he's a foreman, he's a rebounder, he's a defender. He's not afraid to make mistakes, he's got a lot of courage, so I'm thrilled for him. He's very happy, he's very excited."
Sochan, as well, has been up-front about his closeness with the former head coach. Popovich's faith in Sochan has driven a lot of fans (including yours truly) to believe that he can turn into a complete two-way player.
Johnson, on the other hand, seems ready to move on from the former ninth overall pick. In Johnson's first season calling the shots, Sochan is playing a career-low 15.9 minutes per game, and it is largely expected that he will be traded before his rookie contract is up.
Since his rookie season, Sochan has been polarizing among the fanbase. However, he is the best enforcer on the roster, and there's no questioning his defensive impact. Still, as Stephon Castle blossoms and Harrison Barnes spaces the floor, Sochan's skillset isn't unique to him anymore, and there are more complete players in the lineup. Johnson has been leaning on those guys instead.
Plus, that's not to mention rookie Carter Bryant. He's been limited to garbage time this season, but is a high-level defender and is more athletic than Sochan. Both have offensive limitations, although Sochan is rapidly approaching his ceiling. Bryant, meanwhile, could have a brighter future.
Pop had undying faith in Sochan, so that's rubbed off on a lot of fans. However, Johnson has more depth at his disposal than Popovich did in his final seasons, and he clearly isn't as enamoured in the Polish star.
For the most part, Johnson is staying true to Pop's plans and blueprints, although Sochan's diminished role is the first major deviation.