Celtics Eye Jock Landale as Potential Kristaps Porzingis Replacement
The Boston Celtics, despite their recent flurry of offseason activity, still face a significant void at the center position. The departures of Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kornet, and the likely exit of Al Horford have left a gaping hole in their frontcourt. While the signing of Luka Garza offers some relief, the Celtics might have found a more substantial solution in Jock Landale.
Shams Charania’s report on Thursday revealed that the Houston Rockets are waiving Landale, making the Australian center available in free agency. Landale, who signed a four-year, $32 million contract in 2023 with only the first year guaranteed, averaged 4.8 points and 3.3 rebounds in 11.9 minutes per game last season. His contributions may seem modest, but his 42.3% three-point shooting percentage, albeit on low volume (11-of-26), presents an intriguing aspect for a team like Boston.
Landale’s potential value to the Celtics lies in his ability to stretch the floor. While not a dominant scorer or rebounder, his proficiency from beyond the arc could provide a valuable offensive dimension, particularly in a system that emphasizes spacing and ball movement. His size and experience also offer a level of defensive stability that the Celtics need to compensate for the loss of Porzingis’ rim protection.
The Celtics’ decision to pursue Landale will likely hinge on their overall assessment of their roster needs. If they prioritize a more versatile center who can contribute offensively beyond just three-point shooting, they might look elsewhere. However, if they believe Landale’s shooting and experience can adequately fill the void left by Porzingis, he could be a cost-effective and surprisingly effective addition.
Landale’s age (he’ll turn 30 in October) and relatively limited minutes in Houston might raise some concerns. Yet, his potential to be a valuable role player, particularly given his three-point shooting ability, makes him a worthy consideration for a team like Boston that is constantly seeking ways to improve their roster. The Celtics’ front office will undoubtedly weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision. Landale’s availability presents an intriguing opportunity for Boston to address a key weakness without breaking the bank. The coming weeks will reveal whether they choose to capitalize on it.
