The Atlanta Hawks came into this year’s trade deadline with one clear priority: bolstering their depth at center. With Onyeka Okongwu locked in as the long-term answer at the position and Kristaps Porzingis heading out as part of a broader roster shake-up, Atlanta needed a reliable presence to anchor the second unit. They found their guy-and they didn’t have to give up a single player or pick to get him.
Jock Landale arrived in Atlanta via a low-risk, high-upside move that sent only cash considerations to the Utah Jazz. And if his debut in a Hawks uniform is any indication, this might be one of the sneakiest impact moves of the deadline.
Landale’s Debut: Immediate Impact, Maximum Efficiency
In his first game with the Hawks, Landale wasted no time making his presence felt. He dropped 26 points, grabbed 11 rebounds-including six on the offensive glass-dished out five assists, and swatted four shots in a 121-119 win over the very team that traded him. He shot a scorching 10-of-14 from the field, nailed five of his eight attempts from deep, and even chipped in at the line.
Now, it’s fair to say we probably won’t see that exact stat line every night. But what Landale showed in that performance is exactly why Atlanta targeted him: he’s a versatile, high-IQ big who can stretch the floor, clean the glass, make smart passes, and hold his own defensively. He’s not just a body to fill minutes-he’s a legitimate contributor.
A Season of Quiet Consistency
Landale’s breakout performance didn’t come out of nowhere. He’s been quietly putting together a solid 2025-26 campaign, averaging 11.6 points, 6.6 rebounds (including 3.2 offensive boards), 1.7 assists, and 1.2 threes per game while shooting 52.1% from the field and nearly 40% from beyond the arc-all in just under 24 minutes a night.
Stretch those numbers out to a per-36-minute basis, and the production jumps to 17.6 points, 10.0 rebounds, 4.8 offensive boards, 2.6 assists, and 1.8 made threes. That’s not just filler production. That’s the kind of output that can swing second units and keep momentum rolling when starters rest.
And here’s the kicker: this isn’t some unsustainable leap. Landale’s per-36 career numbers-15.9 points, 9.5 rebounds, 4.3 offensive boards, 2.7 assists, and 1.1 threes-show that this level of play is right in line with what he’s always been capable of. The Hawks are simply putting him in a position to do more of what he does best.
What Landale Brings to Atlanta’s Rotation
This move wasn’t just about plugging a hole-it was about adding a skill set that complements the roster. Landale gives the Hawks a center who can stretch the floor, which opens up driving lanes for guards and wings. His offensive rebounding gives them extra possessions, and his passing touch adds another layer to their second-unit offense.
Defensively, Landale holds his own. According to Basketball Index, he ranks in the 65th percentile in rim protection, the 87th percentile in post defense, and an eye-popping 98th percentile in screener mobility defense.
That last one is especially important in today’s NBA, where bigs are constantly being dragged into pick-and-rolls and forced to defend in space. Landale can do that-and do it well.
A Steal at the Deadline
In a trade cycle where teams shelled out assets for marginal upgrades, the Hawks landed one of the league’s more quietly effective backup centers for nothing but cash. No players lost.
No draft picks sacrificed. Just a smart, targeted move that filled a clear need and added a player who fits the system.
With Landale now in the fold alongside other deadline additions like Buddy Hield and Jonathan Kuminga, Atlanta didn’t just tweak around the edges-they retooled with purpose. And if Landale keeps playing anywhere near the level he showed in his debut, the Hawks may have pulled off one of the biggest bargains of the season.