For the Houston Rockets, third-year prospect Alperen Sengun is the clear starter at center entering the 2023-24 NBA season.
It’s not as if the team is otherwise devoid of depth at the NBA’s most critical interior position. In moves designed to provide guidance, competition and leadership, the Rockets signed 27-year-old Jock Landale away from the Phoenix Suns this offseason while re-signing 35-year-old big man Boban Marjanovic.
Buy Rockets TicketsAt Monday’s media day, held in advance of Tuesday’s opening of training camp, both Landale and Marjanovic took questions from reporters regarding their roles and expectations for the new season.
Landale sprained his ankle in international competition this offseason for his native Australia, but he expects to be mostly cleared entering camp — at which he will compete with Sengun in practices.
As for Marjanovic, his role is again expected to be more on the depth and leadership side. But within that context, he’s excited to have more veterans to assist in that endeavor, relative to last season.
From Monday, here’s what both big men had to say to reporters.
Jock Landale at 2023 Rockets media day
Jock Landale on the status of his ankle: "Jumping as high as I ever was, mate."
Media laughs.
"What are you laughing at? I'm athletic as hell."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) October 2, 2023
Jock Landale could become a quick fan favorite. On what he brings to Houston:
“A level of toughness. Playing hard every single possession. … Just try to apply as much pressure all around, every game.”
“My role is going to be playing between the taps and doing the dirty work.” pic.twitter.com/WkhyEcmLHP
— Michael Shapiro (@mshap2) October 2, 2023
Jock Landale on his role for the #Rockets.
– There will never be a lack of effort
– I’m gonna get guys open
– Going to do the dirty work
– not force anything, playing winning ball the right way.He couldn’t have given a better answer then this. pic.twitter.com/f4uYDxfoIb
— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) October 2, 2023
Jock Landale on his impression of Alperen Sengun: "This guy is so talented offensively, it's unbelievable."
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) October 2, 2023
Jock Landale says he'll be able to take part in every aspect of tomorrow's first training camp practice at McNeese State, but he will cut things a little short as he rebuilds strength in the ankle he injured before the World Cup
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) October 2, 2023
Jock Landale, as part of an answer about how he wants to help Alperen Sengun through their individual battles in training camp:
"I remember playing against Houston last year… there wasn't a whole lot of boxing out."@BimaThug
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) October 2, 2023
Jock Landale on how he can help Alperen Şengün:
“Offensively he’s got it all, he didn’t need too much help there. I think where I can help him is just pushing him defensively” pic.twitter.com/LS38O7M8b9
— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) October 2, 2023
Asked Jock Landale about the role he envisions for himself offensively:
"I didn't shoot the ball well last season, that's no secret, but since getting back from my injury I've been shooting it really well and that's translated in these last few days of live play."
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) October 2, 2023
Every team needs a Jock Landale.
“Really doing the dirty work to help the other guys the prominent scorers out” pic.twitter.com/lZUGyqtWH8— Lachard Binkley (@BinkleyHoops) October 2, 2023
It was definitely a different type of energy at Rockets media day.
Sensed a more mature and confident team with the arrival of the new vets, Fred VanVleet, Jeff Green and even Jock Landale.
Excited to see how they help the young guys develop and contribute to winning
— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV) October 2, 2023
Boban Marjanovic at 2023 Rockets media day
Boban on Alperen Sengun: “He’s a good kid with a good heart. His work ethic is getting better and better.” pic.twitter.com/QYnYdGi0Lj
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) October 2, 2023
Boban on his favorite things about Houston: “Food is amazing. And everybody really likes sports.”
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) October 2, 2023
Looking through the #Rockets media day photos, it seems the world needed Jalen Green and Boban content pic.twitter.com/S5UDF12PUQ
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) October 3, 2023
Boban on Houston: "I like coming here. Everybody is so kind, food is amazing, people like sports here. It's a wonderful experience everything. When I go into place [Toyota Center] people are welcome here. It's wonderful to be back."#Rockets @BackSportsPage
— Jeremy Gretzer (@jr_gretzer) October 2, 2023
Boban on re-signing with Houston. "Houston is now my home. It's so amazing to be back and it feels like I did something good. Lotta talent and I'm so happy to be back."#Rockets @BackSportsPage
— Jeremy Gretzer (@jr_gretzer) October 2, 2023
Boban Marjanović was a locker room favorite for the Rockets.
He just signed a new deal to stay in Houston. I think Jalen Green is a fan. pic.twitter.com/cIxQFRCe1q
— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV) October 2, 2023
