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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - FEBRUARY 5: Jock Landale #31 of the Atlanta Hawks walks off the court following a 121-119 victory over the Utah Jazz at State Farm Arena on February 5, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Hawks have remade their roster with a multitude of trades that they have decided to make over the last few weeks. They have moved on from Trae Young, and they also made a few moves on deadline day, as well.
Right now, the Hawks sit ninth in the Eastern Conference standings. The trades they made on trade deadline day were made to try to make sure that they can qualify for the playoffs. One of the moves they made was for Jock Landale. They made that trade after shipping Kristaps Porzingis to Golden State.
Landale had to find a way to get to his new home. Normally, teams fly the players they trade for to their new destinations. Landale decided to make a five and a half hour drive instead.
GettyAtlanta Hawks center Jock Landale celebrates. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Atlanta Hawks’ Jock Landale Explains Decision to Drive to Atlanta
Following his Hawks debut, Landale explained the decision to make the long drive instead of waiting for a flight.
“I kind of said, if I’m looking to play that next night, I want to get there as soon as possible. So loaded up the truck and hit the road.”
Landale showed some commitment to his new franchise very quickly. Because he made the decision to drive, he was able to play against the Jazz. He was fantastic in his first game with the Hawks, scoring 26 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, dishing out five assists, and blocking four shots.
With Porzingis now with the Warriors, Landale has become their new starting center. He did not have that same opportunity with the Grizzlies. Perhaps that’s why Landale decided he wanted to get to Atlanta so quickly. He will have a new opportunity to put up some great statistics.
GettyAtlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson drives the ball. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
The Hawks Are Building Around Jalen Johnson
With all of the moves that the Hawks have made, they are clearly building around Jalen Johnson. Johnson is a first-time All-Star this season, and the front office needs to find players who complement his skill set as much as possible. He is now their best player.
Landale is clearly someone they believe can do that. He shoots just under 40 percent from beyond the 3-point arc. The ability for him to stretch the floor gives the Hawks a lot of options on the offensive end of the court. Right now, Atlanta has the 11th-worst offense in the league.
With the trades they have made, they believe they can stabilize the offense in a way that makes them a true contender to make the playoffs, not just the play-in game. Atlanta is pivoting into a new phase of the franchise that is built around the frontcourt instead of the backcourt.
Landale had a fantastic debut, but it would be foolish to believe the can put up those numbers on a regular basis. Still, it’s great to see a new addition play as great as possible in his first game with the team.