The improbable journey of Jock Landale after his chaotic trade

Jock Landale enjoyed a storybook debut with the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, matching his career high with 26 points in a narrow 121–119 win over the Utah Jazz. The 6-foot-10 Australian’s night capped an unusually hectic lead-up before he even set foot on the floor at State Farm Arena.

Originally included in a deal that sent him from Memphis Grizzlies to Utah Jazz as part of the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade, Landale was ultimately rerouted to Atlanta for financial considerations. He summed up the chaos with a smile afterward: “I was already on a plane, about to head to Utah, when I got a call telling me, ‘Get off that damn plane.’”

Jock Landale on opting to drive to Atlanta from Memphis rather than fly, via @WilliamsLaurenL:

« I kind of said, if I’m looking to play that next night, I want to get there as soon as possible. So I loaded up the truck and hit the road. » https://t.co/aNTA0ELtD0

— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) February 6, 2026

Immediate impact despite the circumstances

With Onyeka Okongwu sidelined by a dental fracture, Jock Landale was pushed straight into the Atlanta Hawks starting lineup—and made the most of it. The former Melbourne United big man delivered 26 points on 10-of-14 shooting, adding 11 rebounds, five assists and four blocks. He also knocked down a career-high five three-pointers, including a pivotal one in the fourth quarter.

Landale detailed the whirlwind that led to his debut afterward. “The choice was to fly this morning or drive last night,” he said. “I figured I’d come here, get a good night’s sleep, meet the guys, practice this morning and just get acclimated.” The Australian ended up driving roughly 630 kilometers from Memphis to Atlanta—another fitting chapter in a debut that was anything but ordinary.

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The win was sealed by Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who buried the game-winner with 1.3 seconds left. Jalen Johnson was just as influential, recording his 10th triple-double of the season with 22 points, 16 rebounds and 15 assists. For the Utah Jazz, Isaiah Collier delivered a career night of his own, finishing with 25 points, seven rebounds and 11 assists in 48 minutes.

Landale’s breakout performance also fits into a broader reset in Atlanta. The Atlanta Hawks reshaped their roster ahead of the trade deadline, bringing in Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield and Gabe Vincent. The Australian center is also reunited with fellow countryman Dyson Daniels, setting the stage for growing chemistry between the two Boomers internationals over the remainder of the season.