How Jock Landale brought back some joy with one ‘exciting’ move

Anyone who plays sports has heard stories about when preparation meets opportunity. Final victories have always been less about sudden bursts and more about the simple, often overlooked, luxury of consistency. Well, trainers in need of a new “grind-it out” example can bring Jock Landale to the undisturbed Memphis Grizzlies in the encyclopedia. After years of shifting roles, the 6-foot-11 center is finding his stride as a consistent contributor and credits the team’s trust for much of the early season success.

Landale’s decision to call the Grizzlies during free agency is paying off in a big way for all parties. The Australian has a career-high average in everything, including minutes (21.6) and percentage of games played (100%). After all, Tuomas Iisal always needs a smart, big body. Landale continues to contribute 10.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 0.9 blocks/steals per game as a rotation mainstay.

“It goes back to staying ready. I’ve been in situations where I’m not playing at all and I haven’t stepped into a big role,” Landale explained. “I feel like this season I’m more involved in the team aspect of this game and being able to go out there every night, which is, it’s the first time in my career that I’m playing (every) game, so (the game process) is easier for me. I’m enjoying it.”

A cerebral approach reflects a player who understands supporting roles in the Grizzlies’ system. Instead of forcing shots or trying to create in isolation, Landale thrives on reading the game and taking advantage of opportunities created by others. This leads to it being sometimes overlooked. However, there were the Sacramento Kings (21 points) and Nikola Jokić’s Denver Nuggets (26 points, 10 rebounds). burned out during a recent hot streak.

Landale downplayed the goals and some underdog perceptions with typical self-deprecating humor.

“They probably thought it was a lucky night, to be honest,” joked Landale. “My ability in this league is to play off other people’s creations and not force anything. I just take what the game gives me and try to do it aggressively, knowing where I can pick my spots.”

So there is a method behind the efficiency.

The Grizzlies let Jock Landale cook

In particular, Landale credits his basketball education abroad for shaping his cerebral approach to the game.

“(Against Denver), I had a lot of opportunities to shoot the ball and I took them. It could change the next game, depending on what the next team does. I’m never going to force it; I’m always going to try to find the best shot possible,” Landale explained. “I feel like that’s how I play the game; it’s a European mentality that was instilled in me back in my St. Mary’s days.”

Fortunately, again, those regular minutes allowed Landale to showcase abilities that were always there but rarely had a chance to blossom.

“I think those two things go hand in hand, opportunity and confidence,” Landale said. “Seeing the ball through the net and being able to play every night. I don’t like the word rhythm, but I get a little bit of it. I always knew I had it in me; I can just get that opportunity to do it night after night. I’m very grateful to this club, to this organization, for allowing me to do it and I enjoy it, because I enjoy it. It’s been missing for a long time.”

Strong individual stats are good for a speedy free agent. However, Landale knows that the team’s success drives the bench market. Fortunately, as Jaren Jackson Jr. confirm, the vibes with these Grizzlies are great. Everyone expects them to climb into the top six soon.

“I’m enjoying (being with the Grizzlies) a lot. I’d like to win a little more, but it’s a process right now,” Landale noted. “I think as our team starts to recover from these injuries, we’ll get back to full strength, we’ll win a little bit more.”

Despite a slow rise individually and collectively, Landale insists these Grizzlies are closer to turning the corner than their record suggests.

“We are close,” believes Landale. “I think the buy-in to our system has really come a long way. The coaches have done a great job of getting us in the gym, making it work and really instilling confidence in the system and ourselves within that structure. You can see the ball moving really sharp outside. It allows the offense to breathe a little bit and that’s doing great things for us. I feel like we’re on our way and we are. As the season progresses, you’re going to continue to see growth from us.”

For a player who spent most of his career waiting for his number to be called, Landale made the most of his opportunity in Memphis. As the Grizzlies continue to navigate their way through the season, his steady presence and unselfish approach have become a valuable asset in Tuomas Iisal’s rotations. The 30-year-old should be rewarded with a multi-, medium- or two-year deal at the exception level this summer at this rate. Clearly, Landale’s legs are ready for the challenges of night in and night out battles down Beale Street.