Across September, Valley of the Suns will deliver predicted stat lines for all 16 players currently contracted to the Phoenix Suns for the 2022-23 season.
The Phoenix Suns added to their big man stocks in the offseason, acquiring Australian Jock Landale from the Atlanta Hawks. The 26-year-old showed some promising signs in his rookie season but will now look forward to producing for a team looking to win, rather than at the rebuilding San Antonio Spurs.
At 6’11”, Landale offers a sweet shooting stroke while also providing a solid interior presence. He won’t be a huge shot-blocker but he can act as a rim protector of sorts, while also possessing the ability to rebound at a decent level.
Jock Landale could add a point-of-difference to the Phoenix Suns, with a rotational spot there if the big man can take the opportunity.
The Suns have a plethora of big man options going into this season, but by no means is the hierarchy set behind Deandre Ayton. Bismack Biyombo may have first dibs on the backup role, but the veteran needs to again prove himself following a productive stint in limited minutes last season.
Landale’s fortunes may rest on how Monty Williams decides to utilize Dario Saric – is he a stretch center like 2020-21, or more of a power-forward as he’s been for the majority of his NBA career? If it’s the latter, then consistent minutes for Landale is a genuine possibility. Landale and Saric as a pairing on the floor could work, at least offensively.
Ultimately, I’d expect to see him get some minutes early on, just for Phoenix to see what they have more than anything. I do think Saric will spend at least half of his time as a stretch five, meaning Landale could be pushed out of the rotation for large portions of the season.