Free agent targets for the Miami Heat after the 2023 NBA Draft
2. Jock Landale
The Miami Heat’s utter lack of frontcourt size was on full display against the Denver Nuggets in the Finals. With Bam Adebayo lacking a tenable option to play next to him or spell him off the bench, it’s no surprise that Nikola Jokic didn’t have much of a hard time methodically cracking the team’s interior defense.
No offense to Cody Zeller, but the Heat need a better center who can at least be serviceable on both ends of the floor. Thus, Jock Landale could be a solid yet inexpensive target for Miami in free agency if the Phoenix Suns let him go. Last season he showed that he can hold his own against better centers in spurts despite an inconsistent role and playing time in Monty Williams’ rotation.
Landale is not athletic, but he makes up for it with great positioning, anticipation, and knowledge on how he can leverage his bulk to counter his lack of explosiveness. His defense can be exploited by powerful bruisers at times, but he often compensates for it by being a factor offensively. While he doesn’t create for himself, he has a great feel as a roll man, can function in the post as a secondary playmaking hub, and even hit the occasional 3-pointer — all in a 6-foot11, 256-pound frame.