During the Australian national team's 88-67 victory over South Sudan on Aug. 10, Houston Rockets center Jock Landale suffered a left ankle injury.
At the time, Australia coach Brian Goorjian admitted that Landale was unlikely to travel with the team to Japan for the FIBA Basketball World Cup. And after he underwent an MRI, Landale was out for this year's World Cup.
He expressed his disappointment on social media. But while displaying his dismay, Landale noted that he had turned his focus to the Rockets for the 2023-24 season. He signed a four-year, $32 million contract to join the Rockets as a free agent in July.
"Was fun while it lasted, but that’s sport," Landale wrote on Instagram. "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)."
Last season, Landale appeared in 69 games with four starts for the Phoenix Suns. He averaged 6.6 points and 4.2 rebounds in 12.7 minutes.
Landale was one of four players last season who averaged at least 6.0 points and 4.0 rebounds while playing less than 15.0 minutes per game. Out of all the players who appeared in at least 40 games last season, Landale tied for 13th in offensive rebounds per 36 minutes played (4.4).
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