Jock Landale
The Atlanta Hawks were dealing at the trade deadline, making a number of changes to try and get the roster where they want it. From moving Trae Young a few weeks back to all the recent action, it’s a whole new ball-club.
Entering into the phase of rebuilding around Jalen Johnson, they have done a nice job of bringing new pieces in. Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield are on the way, while they got an incredible night from their new big man.
Jock Landale, re-routed to Atlanta after being traded to the Utah Jazz, showed up, got the start, and just absolutely cooked against that Utah team.
Instead of hopping on a flight, Landale opted to drive the 5.5 hours from Memphis, where he’d been a Grizzly, to Atlanta. Certainly, he knew what he was doing.
Jock Landale Shines Bright In Hawks Debut
What a first game in Atlanta for Jock Landale. He had the Hawks team social media admin going on a heater with how he was playing.
The Hawks ultimately defeated the Jazz 121-119 in a game that was air-tight. Jock Landale put up a final line of 26 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks. He has shown flashes at all of hi NBA stops, and he started the latest one on absolute tear. Knocking in five threes as well, he was able to do everything for his new team.
The Jalen Johnson triple-double through three quarters and Nickeil Alexander-Walker game-winner helped get the team to their second victory in a row. The trio of guys all breaking out this season is certainly something to behold.
Getting back to Landale, the center position has been a point of conversation all season for the Hawks. They brought in Kristaps Porzingis in the offseason to try and pair him with Trae Young. Injuries and illness limited him to just 16 games in his time.
Clint Capela left after a long tenure with the team following the conclusion of last season. The team has tried to find consistent minutes behind Onyeka Okongwu with little-to-no luck. Just a week ago, Christian Koloko had a breakout game, but he’s found himself back on the bench.
Enter Landale. They have their center. Still under contract through the end of next season for another $8 million, the Aussie is proving his fit with the team from day one.
Not every game is going to see a 20-10 night with five assists and four blocks, but it is certainly a way to show your new team what you can do.
Jock Landale Ready for Big Role In Atlanta
Logging big minutes in Memphis due to injuries this year already, Jock Landale has proven his ability to be a steady presence in the middle. He had a pair of 20-10 games just a few weeks ago for the Grizzlies, showcasing the value that landed him with the Hawks.
Onyeka Okongwu being out last night allowed the new big man to start in his debut following his 5.5-hour drive to his new home. One of the more memorable debuts in recent memory, it certainly helps he can take the floor with fellow Australia teammate Dyson Daniels.
Landale has bounced around the league a bit over the last few seasons. But it sure seems now he’ll have a home hear for the next year-and-a-half.
The #2 center spot and primary fill-in for Okongwu is Landale’s to lose.