This past summer, the Memphis Grizzlies made the decision to trade Jay Huff to the Indiana Pacers for a 2029 second-round pick and a 2031 second-round pick swap. Shortly after, the Grizzlies signed Jock Landale to a vet minimum contract to fill the backup center void.
Injuries in the frontcourt have led to Jock Landale having a bigger role than anticipated for the Grizzlies. This season, Landale has played a career-high 23.5 minutes per game. For context, the most minutes Landale ever played before this season was 14.2 per game back in his second year.
For a vet minimum contract, Jock Landale has exceeded expectations, especially on the offensive end. So far he is averaging 11.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. Landale is also shooting 51.8% from the field and making 38.9% of his three-point shots. Landale's screening ability and outside shooting have been helpful despite the Grizzlies struggling overall as an offense.
The defensive struggles outweigh the offensive production
Despite Landale being a positive on the offensive end, the defense has been a major point of struggle for him. The Grizzlies' offense tends to fare better with Landale on the floor; however, the defense faces a significant drop-off in his minutes.
The Grizzlies have a 117.2 offensive rating with Landale on the floor but a poor 121.2 defensive rating. Even though the offensive rating with Landale off the floor drops to 110.9, the defensive rating improves to 109.9. Overall, the net rating with Landale off the floor is better than with him on the court, largely due to his defensive limitations.
Rim protection has been a weakness for Landale
The biggest area where Landale falls short as a defender is his lack of rim protection. While it is not 100% Landale's fault that he's been forced into a bigger role, the Grizzlies simply need high-quality rim protection, and Landale has not been able to offer that all season.
Per Basketball Reference, Jaren Jackson Jr. has a 4.7% block percentage this season, and Zach Edey had a 6.9% block percentage before he was shut down. In comparison, Landale has a block percentage of just 2%. Landale already struggles as a rim protector, but to make matters more difficult, he lacks the defensive playmaking required at his position and is on a level below his teammates in that area.
While Landale could be successful in a reduced role when everyone is healthy, the Grizzlies would likely be better off going for a defensive-minded center in the draft or free agency. It will be interesting to monitor Landale's status before the deadline, as other teams could want his expiring contract and offensive production. Ultimately, the Grizzlies should be looking for a defensive upgrade at the center position at this trade deadline or during the summer.