Valley of the Suns
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Phoenix Suns: James Jones may have saved offseason with surprising move

By Peter O'Keefe

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 05: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to pass under pressure from Torrey Craig #0 and Jock Landale #11 of the Phoenix Suns in the second quarter of their preseason game at T-Mobile Arena on October 05, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Suns defeated the Lakers 119-115. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 05: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to pass under pressure from Torrey Craig #0 and Jock Landale #11 of the Phoenix Suns in the second quarter of their preseason game at T-Mobile Arena on October 05, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Suns defeated the Lakers 119-115. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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The Phoenix Suns may be through just two preseason games, but the production of Australian big man Jock Landale has been a massive positive in otherwise indifferent team performances.

Many have criticised general manager James Jones for a lack of major offseason signings, with the Suns focus on retaining their current core. With little in the way of financial flexibility, Landale is presenting as a value pickup Jones and Phoenix needed to make.

Jock Landale is looking like a shrewd offseason addition that could save an otherwise underwhelming offseason for James Jones and the Phoenix Suns.

The 26-year-old spent his rookie season with the San Antonio Spurs in 2021-22, before being dealt to the Atlanta Hawks as part of the Dejounte Murray trade. Phoenix were quick to pounce shortly after, acquiring Landale for cash considerations.

Phoenix Suns, Jock Landale
Jock Landale and Javale McGee, Phoenix Suns. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports /

The trade for a relatively unknown big man appeared strange, particularly given the Suns looked set with Deandre Ayton, Bismack Biyombo and the return of Dario Saric. But Jones was adamant on replacing the free agent loss of Javale McGee, even if he and Landale offer vastly different on-court skill sets.

Landale’s production is about as good as anyone could have hoped for so far; 12 points and six rebounds against the Adelaide 36ers on Sunday, followed by 14 points, seven rebounds and two assists in just 15 minutes against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday.

He may have come with the reputation as a skilled stretch five, but it’s the physical interior presence that’s been just as impressive. Landale already presents as an upgrade on the steady but contrastingly uninspiring option of Biyombo.

Next. Game Report: Bench responds as Suns earn first preseason victory. dark

While he may only average 15 minutes per game this season, any marginal upgrade should be given credit in such a competitive and talented league. Landale’s obscure and under-the-radar addition only furthers the potential value of the addition, with Phoenix fans looking forward to what he may provide as the real stuff begins in less than two weeks.

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