Rockets 2023-2024 Season Preview: Can Jock Landale Provide Bench Production?
HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets spent the entire 2022-23 season without a reliable backup center to Alperen Sengun.
But due to the near $64 million in cap space, the Rockets signed one of the top backup big men with the free agency acquisition of Jock Landale. He signed a four-year, $32 million contract in July.
Last season, Landale appeared in 69 games with four starts for the Phoenix Suns. He averaged 6.6 points and 4.2 rebounds in 12.7 minutes.
Landale was one of four players during the 2022-23 campaign who averaged 6.0 points and 4.0 rebounds while playing less than 15.0 minutes per game. Out of all the players who appeared in at least 40 games last season, Landale tied for 13th in offensive rebounds per 36 minutes played (4.4).
Landale will help the Rockets sustain their reputation as one of the league's best offensive-rebounding teams. But the 6-foot-11 big man will improve the team's dreadful defense. During his time in Phoenix, Landale proved to be a reliable defender.
Landale will enter the season after suffering a major left ankle injury during the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
The injury took place on Aug. 10 during the Australian national team's victory over South Sudan. But over a month following the injury, general manager Rafael Stone says Landale will be a full participant in training camp.
"Landale is back on the court, but he is not going full five-on-five," Stone said. "I fully anticipate him to be a full go by the start of training camp."
Landale was a contingency plan after Brook Lopez opted not to sign with the Rockets as a free agent. Landale was not the Rockets' first option on the open market. But he will be Houston's first option to backup Sengun under coach Ime Udoka.
