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2026-27 Atlanta Hawks player preview: Jock Landale

Jock Landale’s arrival in Atlanta last season was as dramatic as it was impactful, beginning with a last-minute trade that saw him abandon a flight to Utah and drive 6.5 hours to join the Hawks. His debut performance—26 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocks on efficient shooting—set the tone for a backup center role that quickly became invaluable.

Over 23 games, Landale averaged 9.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and shot 60% from two-point range, contributing to a Hawks run that included a 20-6 stretch down the stretch. However, his season ended prematurely in early April after a hard foul from Orlando Magic’s Goga Bitadze left him sidelined for the playoffs, where his physical presence against Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson could have been a game-changer.

Now entering his 31st year, Landale has trimmed down his physique and returned for the 2026-27 campaign on a one-year, $14.1 million deal—nearly doubling his career earnings in a single offseason. While Onyeka Okongwu remains the starting center, Landale’s size and experience could see him share frontcourt minutes, though his defensive limitations remain a concern.

With Mouhamed Gueye and rookie Zuby Ejiofor expected to bolster the bench, Landale’s role is clear: provide spacing, screen for shooters, and grind against opposing bigs. After nearly calling it quits and returning to Australia, Landale’s decision to stay reflects his enthusiasm for Atlanta’s culture and the team’s vision under Quin Snyder and Onsi Saleh.

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