Jock Landale highlighted his offensive adjustment during Atlanta’s 123-113 victory over Sacramento on Saturday at State Farm Arena. “I think that something that’s been big for me since getting here is kind of understanding where our shots are going to come from,” Landale said, emphasizing the challenge of adapting to the Hawks’ “chaos”-style offense.
The center noted his offensive rebounding focus. “Being out there tonight, I was given a chance to kind of settle in and understand where the shots were kind of coming from throughout the game. From there, it becomes really easy to figure out where the ball’s going to come off the ring.” Landale contrasted this with his previous experiences: “A lot of other places I’ve played, it’s very structured and very direct play style. So, you always know where the shots are going to come from.”
Addressing his shoulder injury, Landale remained pragmatic. “It’s going to be something that’s there for a little while and I’m okay with it…We got a great medical staff here that have been real transparent with me.” He added, “Came to terms with that. So, you know, we strap it up and get to work and I feel good about that.”
On integrating into the Hawks’ offense, Landale credited team chemistry and spacing. “From day one I got here and had a pretty impactful first game and understood that the guys out there are willing passers and are really good at finding bigs,” he said. Landale explained how mismatches enhance opportunities: “A lot of teams with us will cross match…there’s big opportunities for bigs to use their strength and size to overpower a smaller guy.”
Communication is central to Landale’s approach. “It’s probably something that my wife would say I don’t show up,” he joked. “Constant communication is the best way for a team to come together…Being a guy who’s a little undersized and under athletic, I really needed to find my voice and try to be on the front foot defensively.” He added that leadership in communication can spread across the team: “One guy starts talking and the whole group starts talking and I think that’s just…good things come from that.”
Landale also acknowledged the Hawks’ home-court success. “I think just continuity…getting the gym and really figuring out our identity…that has definitely translated into the wins column,” he said after the team’s 12th consecutive home victory.
Reflecting on coach Quin Snyder’s milestone 500th win, Landale praised his impact. “Quin is incredible…He goes so much further with him. He’s really good at helping guys fit in off the court…which translates onto the court.” He added, “When we have a team meeting, typically we come in for 20 minutes and we end up being there for 40…he just talks about everything in extreme detail. Quin lives and breathes basketball and you can see that in the way he approaches every single day.”
Landale finished with his perspective on growth and efficiency within Atlanta’s system. “Tonight they were definitely finding me…it’s not always going to result in a scoring opportunity for me; it’ll pull the defense in and open up threes on the weak side. It’s just another look for us and the guys have been utilizing it quite well.”
