NBA Free Agency: 5 remaining players the Cavaliers should target
Free Agent No. 5: Jock Landale, Phoenix Suns
The second former Phoenix Suns player to feature on this list, Jock Landale looked like he was in line for a pay raise with the Suns to be their backup center before they pivoted at the last minute, instead signing Drew Eubanks to take his place. Landale is now available on the open market for any team that would like him.
The Australian center has excellent size at 6’11”, but is surprisingly nimble on his feet. He doesn’t rack up a ton of counting stats (0.6 steals and 1.1 blocks per 36 minutes) but has a clear impact defensively; Estimated Plus-Minus rated him in the 85th percentile among centers in defensive impact, inside the top-25 at the position.
On offense, while Landale is willing to take an open jumper, his game is largely the traditional one for a center, rolling to the rim and finishing with surprising touch around the basket. He also sets crushing screens, something the rest of Cleveland’s bigs can learn from. Add in his tough rebounding, and Landale would be a great stylistic fit behind Jarrett Allen.
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Whatever happens with Max Strus, the Cavaliers will almost certainly use a minimum deal to add another big man. Landale looks like one of the best options on the market who could fit that price range, and he would be a smart signing after Day 1 of free agency.