Spurs' depth will be tested with Jeremy Sochan injured

Sochan was having a career year for the Spurs before he injured his thumb. In his third NBA season, he was second on the Spurs in scoring and rebounds (15.4 points and 7.7 rebounds per game). Without him, there is a big hole to fill on the Spurs offensive end. 

One player that could see an uptick in playing time is Stephon Castle. Although Sochan is a forward, he was one of the main ball handlers for Spurs, and Castle could take on some of that responsibility now. Castle is playing a little over 20 minutes a game so far this season, averaging 5.9 points and two assists. Castle played 25 minutes in the Spurs first game without Sochan, and although he struggled shooting, the Spurs may need to give the rookie some opportunity to make mistakes. 

Sandro Mamukelashvili and Zach Collins could provide more size and experience if the Spurs are looking for more known entities to replace the Sochan minutes. Mamukelashvili put up 10 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks in the Spurs game Wednesday night against the Rockets. A year ago, Collins was averaging 11.2 points and 5.4 rebounds a game for the Spurs but has seen a significant dip in his role this season. 

If the Spurs are trying to win, the real solution to filling the void left by Sochan is playing their core guys more minutes. As of right now, their young franchise superstar, Victor Wembanyama, is the only player on the roster averaging more than 30 minutes per game (30.6). For perspective, LeBron James is 39 years old (almost double Wembanyama's age) and is averaging 35 minutes a night. 

Keldon Johnson is another option to see a minute uptick. He was a starter for the Spurs early in his career and is currently averaging his lowest minute total since his rookie season. 

Regardless of who plays in his place, the Spurs will feel the absence of Sochan. The depth chart may provide a few options, but it certainly looks like the Spurs could be heading for another rebuilding season early in Wembanyama's career.