Rockets' Jock Landale Continues to Step Up: 'It's About Playing Hard as Possible'

It took a while, but the Houston Rockets are finally reaping the benefits of their free agency signing of Jock Landale.

Mar 23, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Jock Landale (2) prior to the game against / Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

HOUSTON -- Jock Landale spent the majority of the 2023-24 season receiving sporadic minutes in coach Ime Udoka's rotation. And when called upon by Udoka, there were moments Landale did not play beyond 10 minutes.

His shortest appearance came during the Houston Rockets' 13-point defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Feb. 25. Landale played 1:28 in the closing moments of the Rockets' disappointing loss inside the Toyota Center.

However, a potential season-ending injury to Alperen Şengün sustained on March 5 catapulted Landale into the rotation. He has since played a vital role in helping the Rockets fill the vacancy left by Şengün's injury, playing a season-high 23.7 minutes over the previous seven games while averaging 11.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.7 blocks.

Mar 23, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Jock Landale (2) prior to the game against / Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

"To be honest, it's all about playing as hard as possible," Landale said. "Locking in on the defensive end while working to get guys open on the offensive end. I feel like I've been playing the same way every night."

Landale joined the Rockets on a four-year deal worth $32 million in July. He was coming off a successful tenure with the Phoenix Suns. At the time of his free agency signing, Landale appeared to be a solid backup to play behind Şengün.

However, the Rockets did not reap the benefits of their off-season signing until Houston's two-game series against his former team inside the Footprint Center. Landale started to play his way back into the rotation amid Şengün's foul troubles. His production against the Suns helped Udoka re-established trust in his backup center.

A month later, Landale received his first start of the season following Jabari Smith Jr.'s absence due to a one-game suspension. He helped the Rockets win their ninth consecutive game following a 110-92 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers Monday night. He played a season-high 32 minutes, recording 17 points on 6 of 6 shooting, 2 of 2 from behind the arc, nine rebounds, two assists and a block.  

"His energy got us back into the game," Udoka said. "He scored 15 points [in the first quarter], blocked a shot, his energy has been great over the last month or so. We really needed it, especially with Fred [VanVleet] Dillon [Brooks] and Jalen [Green] struggling to score. All of his offensive rebounds and second-chance points really got us back into the game early." 

Landale is one of several players responsible for the Rockets' late-season push for the Play-In Tournament. Following their victory against the Trail Blazers, the Rockets are now a half game back of the Golden State Warriors for the 10th and final Play-In Tournament spot in the Western Conference.