I'm not one to credit Stone, but Landale is a good fit in the Udoka system. Glad that he's having some success and returning to form.
I’ve learned this season to never take depth for granted. Next season we have Alpe-Adams-Landale slated as centers. 3rd string guys are so important in getting through a season. I think some team would pony up a shooter for him though, and if they do I’d be happy targeting Clingan to take up that 3rd center role. Honestly I’m just glad the guy can move and play again. Early season made me think of Matt Schaub on the Texans after his foot surgery. They were like running in a dream, you can see the legs moving but they weren’t going anywhere.
I have a lot of money riding on the Rockets winning more than 31 games and Jock Landale is really about to carry me home. Bless the basketball gods.
I am happy Landale has been playing better, but lets not get carried away. Its only been for a short while. In addition, I am not sure the Rockets are going to want to pay our 3rd center $8M year, so Landale maybe gone no matter how well he plays with Adams on the way.
Going to be a pretty good 3rd string center for us next season. I think Rockets are going to keep his contract as trade filler, as with Tate/Jeff. These are guys who are slightly overpaid as 3rd stringers in order to keep them content in the absence of guaranteed minutes / role. Good lockeroom guys, hustle guys who bring it in practice, good injury insurance, and again trade filler contracts in case the opportunity arises. Waiving/dumping them benefits nothing but Tilmans wallet, we won’t have real cap space until FVV expires.
I'm looking forward to @BimaThug update on the cap and how we should approach the off-season. Whether we should waive those guys or keep them around for the additional salary to send out in a trade.
Brother that was not one of my hotter takes, I don’t even know what you think I’m getting carried away with?
Thinking we carry Landale next year is what I was referring to. Much of my post really didn't have to do with what you said though.
Given that our starting C will be producing near all-star level, and earning under $5.5M, I think having Jock as salary ballast for a trade is an excellent option to keep. It's probably Jeff Green's option which doesn't get picked up, and he misses out (and also Boban may well miss out on another contract) I don't think spending $26M total across 3 centers (who can all make contributions) is a bad thing?
Oh... yeah I don't think it's likely but I do want a legit 3rd option (hence the drafting Clingan idea). Even if they went into the 24-25 season carrying Landale it's not a huge deal. If he's playing well he's an obvious trade chip.
If this is what Landale can give the team when healthy, I'd be happy to see him stick around next year. A PF/C rotation of Sengun/Smith/Adams/Landale/Jeff Green could be very formidable.
Never ever take quality depth at the center position for granted. If you have a good center, even one that is a reserve/backup it’s free money, hence a valuable asset to someone in the league. So few NBA players can even play center, that the few that can are highly coveted by GM’s everywhere. The superstar center position isn’t dead, it’s just in a dry period.
The Mavs got Gafford and Lively and cannot decide which one to put on the bench now. Better than when they ran Powell and Maxi Kleber out there.
