Appeoximately six weeks before 2023-24 training camp opens, newly signed Houston Rockets center Jock Landale injured his left ankle while playing for Australia’s 2023 FIBA World Cup team.
The injury occurred in last Thursday’s World Cup warmup game vs. South Sudan in Melbourne. According to media reports, Landale turned his left ankle after landing on an opposing player’s foot. He immediately clutched his ankle in pain and hobbled straight to the locker room, unable to put significant pressure on his left ankle.
Since then, Landale has undergone an MRI, and the 27-year-old says it showed “nothing too serious.” His comments (via Instagram):
Was fun while it lasted, but that’s sport! Looking forward to supporting the Australian Boomers from afar. The fellas have put in too much work to not take this the distance. My focus is shifting to preparing for a massive season with the Houston Rockets.
My MRI results are back, and I’ll be good as gold. Nothing too serious, just gonna need a bit of time on this one. See you in a Rockets’ jersey soon, and a Boomers’ one come Paris 2024 [Olympics].
At 6-foot-11, 255 pounds, Landale averaged 6.6 points (52.8% FG) and 4.1 rebounds in 14.2 minutes last season. He’s well regarded for his physical play on offense and defense, as well as for his hustle.
Six weeks is usually enough time for a Grade 1 or Grade 2 ankle sprain to heal, though Landale didn’t share specifics in his update. But even if he’s cleared by Houston’s medical staff, the Rockets may still opt to build up Landale’s conditioning at a slower pace, since he’s likely to be coming off an extended period without running.
Should Landale not be fully available once NBA training camps open, Houston’s other options behind starter Alperen Sengun could involve veteran Jeff Green or playing Jabari Smith Jr. more minutes at center, as he did in the recently completed 2023 summer league.
