The Memphis Grizzlies fanbase is still learning about the 6'11" NBA veteran center as he just signed with the organization in July. Jock Landale has only been in the league for four years, but is 29 years old. He spent the first three seasons of his professional basketball career overseas while making NBA summer league stints with the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks after going undrafted in 2018.
He has since spent time with four teams, beginning with the San Antonio Spurs, followed by the Phoenix Suns, and recently the Houston Rockets. His numbers don't jump out at you due to his role as a reserve big man with limited minutes throughout his four seasons in the league.
However, after only averaging 12.8 minutes for his career, his role might have to increase early in the season for the Grizzlies, which gives him a prime opportunity to etch himself into a consistent role for a team that needs it at his position.
His performance early in the season will determine his fate later
Starting center Zach Edey is expected to miss the beginning of the season for the Grizzlies as he recovers from offseason ankle surgery. How long he will be out remains to be seen as the team awaits his reevaluation timeline, which is estimated to be early to mid-October.
Also, the Grizzlies' top reserve big man, Brandon Clarke, is recovering from a high-grade PCL sprain he suffered in late March. That injury kept him out for the remainder of the regular season, but he is expected to make a full recovery by the start of next season. However, there hasn't been an update on his status, so that presents another question mark at the moment.
Jock Landale's value on the basketball court matches what new head coach Tuomas Iisalo wants out of the center position as a bruising big man. Landale is known for being a good rebounder and screener. His per 36 numbers last season saw him average 14.4 points and 9.9 rebounds for the Houston Rockets, who had him behind Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams in the center rotation.
He will have the opportunity to showcase why he should be the backup center for the Grizzlies when the season begins. He will likely back up Brandon Clarke if he is ready, but his 6'11" size will allow him to prove why he should surpass the 6'8" versatile Clarke when Zach Edey returns. Landale wasn't the flashiest signing, but he can get the job done, and if he wants to garner more playing time, he will need to step up early to continue playing later in the season.