Star who inspired famous Victor Wembanyama hairstyle already guaranteed ring before NBA Finals

Jun 1, 2026 - 09:15

Congratulations Jeremy Sochan, you are an NBA champion.

The NBA Finals haven’t even begun yet, with the New York Knicks battling Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs for the coveted Larry O’Brien Trophy.

Jeremy Sochan is poised to become an NBA champion

After the Knicks swept the Cleveland Cavaliers 4-0, they had to sit back and wait until the Western Conference Finals concluded, with the best-of-seven series between the Spurs and reigning NBA champions Oklahoma City Thunder going the distance.

Ultimately, it was unanimous Defensive Player of the Year – and highly emotional – Wembanyama who spearheaded San Antonio NBA Finals bound, winning the WCF MVP in the process.

For Sochan though, he is a winner regardless of which team hoists the trophy at the end of the NBA Finals.

Sochan poised to win ring regardless of result

The Polish-American power forward was drafted by the Spurs with the ninth overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.

In his first three seasons at San Antonio, Sochan averaged double-digit points in 149 starts, while he developed a close relationship with Wembanyama.

In fact, his relationship with Wemby was deemed so strong that the 7-foot-4 ‘alien’ even temporarily dyed his hair blonde as a homage to his teammate.

Sochan also became the seventh-fasted Spur in franchise history to reach 1,500 points and 1,000 rebounds.

However, he fell out of head coach Mitch Johnson’s rotation during the 2025-26 season, playing just 28 games and averaging 4.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, and an assist in 12.8 minutes played.

He was waived after the Spurs were unable to find a suitor at the trade deadline.

After clearing waivers, Sochan signed with the Knicks as a free agent.

Sochan played 28 games for the Spurs in the 2025-26 NBA regular season

Sochan and Wemby forged a great relationship together

His addition helped the Orange and Blue bolster their lower-order rotation, where he played 16 regular season games, albeit averaging 2.8 points and 2.1 rebounds in just 6.9 minutes per contest.

The 23-year-old has seen his role reduced further in New York’s playoff run to date, featuring just five times for an average of 4.6 minutes, and averaging four points and a rebound in that span.

Nonetheless, having played for both teams that are in the NBA Finals this season, he would become eligible for a ring even if the Spurs claim glory over his current team Knicks.

Will Sochan accept the ring?

It is typical that championship rings are dispersed not only to players part of the Finals-winning roster, but also to any of those that have appeared for the organization during the regular season.

But the final decision is ultimately at the winning franchise’s discretion.

For example, Avery Bradley declined to join up with the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2019-20 bubble season, but was still awarded with a championship ring.

Varejão found himself on the opposing team as the Warriors fell to the Cavaliers

Another – and the most recent – example is that of Anderson Varejao, who spent 12-and-a-half seasons of his 14-year career plying his trade for the Cavaliers, only to be traded midway through the 2015-16 season to the Golden State Warriors.

Of course, that so happened to be the season where the Warriors went 73-9, only to be dethroned by LeBron James and the Cavs in stunning fashion from 3-1 down.

With Varejao having suited up for both teams throughout the season, the Cavs extended a championship ring to the Brazilian who was on the losing side in the 2016 NBA Finals, only for him to decline it.

While Varejao turned down the ring from the Cavs, he did go on to accept a ring from the Warriors the following season, despite them waiving him mid-season.

For a player like Sochan, though, who is set to become the first Polish NBA champion in history, it is difficult to envision any scenario where he would decline a ring from the Spurs should they present him the opportunity to be awarded with one.

Game 1 of the NBA Finals tips off on June 3 in San Antonio.

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