How will the Aussie big man factor into the Rockets’ plans?
Jock Landale’s first season with the Houston Rockets didn’t get off to the greatest of starts. In fact, it wasn’t good nor bad, it was downright dreadful. Injuries played a major role into what was shaping into a one-year rental, but a resurgent second half helped to justify the confidence Houston showed in signing him to be their backup center last summer.
Entering the 2024-25 campaign, it appears that Landale will take a step back, sliding into third place on the depth chart behind Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams. However, given his positive contributions in the second half, and a strong showing during the Olympics this summer, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Landale get an opportunity this season, whether it be in Houston — or elsewhere.
The last part of the previous sentence is a bit cryptic, but not without reason. It’s no secret that Landale will draw interest across the league from needy teams desperate of filling their rotations with a competent center. It’s already been covered here at The Dream Shake. It’s also no secret that the Rockets will be on the prowl as they look for ways to upgrade this roster. Landale’s $8 million cap figure could certainly help facilitate that and it’s another reason he was retained this summer.
However, it’s still very realistic that the Rockets intend to hold onto Landale. Why wouldn’t they? The NBA season is long, and we see how teams get decimated by injuries year after year. Having three viable options at center is much better than having none, especially when the two guys in front of Landale didn’t play a single minute last year, or didn’t finish the season because they narrowly avoided a devastating injury.
At the very least, Houston knows that they have a serviceable big in Landale, and having someone like that as a luxury is probably worth keeping around.