Aussies Abroad: Landale embraces NBA starting role

With new colours comes a brand new opportunity for Australia's Jock Landale in the NBA.

The former NBL champion with Melbourne United, who signed with the Memphis Grizzlies in the off-season after being waived by the Houston Rockets, is in line to start for his new NBA club, following the injuries to Jaren Jackson Jr, Zach Edey and Brandon Clarke.

It's an opportunity the 29-year-old is embracing.

"It’s the opportunity you play for, and I feel like I’ve been ready for it my whole NBA career," Landale said during the Memphis Grizzlies' Media Day.

"I had it in Phoenix in the playoffs, starting against Denver. I know what I’m good at, I know what this team needs from me.

"I don’t have to do anything out of the ordinary.

"My job is to make everyone’s life easier - set big screens for Ja [Morant),] get him loose, play with effort and energy.

"That’s my box. Your guys’ motto is grit and grind, and that really fits my play style and the culture I’ve been raised around.

"Honestly feels like a match made in heaven.

"I’ve watched coach Thomas in Europe, played with guys who’ve played under him, so I feel like I know what he’s about.

"I’ve been waiting for this opportunity, and I’m excited to make the most of it.”

Another Australian who is ready to make the most of an expanded role in the NBA is reigning Most Improved Player, Dyson Daniels, who is keen to build on his amazing first season with the Atlanta Hawks.

During his breakout 2024-25 season, Bendigo product Daniel, who made the most his time in the off-season, recorded 229 steals, the 20th most ever by a player in a single season, and became the first player since Scottie Pippen, 30 years ago, to chalk up more than 200 steals and 50 blocks in a season.

"This summer was really fun," Daniels said at the Hawks' Media Day press conference.

"My first two summers were World Cup and Olympics, so I didn’t get time off just to work on my game.

"This time I could be with my trainer and make improvements in a lot of areas. I worked a lot on the mid-range - getting to spots, different pickups, footwork into shots - just developing the offensive bag.

"Defence is always my backbone; it got me here. So I focused on building the offensive side: a lot of shots, different pickups, different footwork, and different finishing.

"We’re deep this year - playing off guys like Trae [Young], with KP [Kristaps Porzingis] coming in, and Nickeil [Alexander-Walker] - so I’m fitting my role and playing it to the best of my ability.”

Much like Daniels did last season, Indiana wing Johnny Furphy, who played 50 games for the Pacers during his rookie year, averaging 2.1 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 0.4 assists., is ready for his breakout season in the NBA.

“I’m feeling more comfortable in my body, being able to absorb contact and use my body a little bit better,” Furphy said, during Pacers Media Day.

“I’ve got to be able to make open shots all the time. That’s the biggest thing. And then defence, I think defence is going to help me get opportunities.

“I’m excited for this year. It’s nice knowing what to expect going into my second year, so I feel much more comfortable.”

While in Cleveland, former Perth and Melbourne forward Luke Travers, who is on a two-way contract, is preparing for his best season to date with the Cavaliers.

"I’ve got internal goals I’ll keep to myself, but on the court it’s about showing I fit at this level," 24-year-old Travers said during the Cavaliers' Media Day.

"It starts with pre-season — it’s going to be huge for me to prove I belong and can thrive at this level.

“Versatility, especially on defence. I can guard one through four, sometimes even one through five.

"That’s my biggest strength, and with all the switching in today’s NBA, being able to defend guards and also switch onto bigs is huge."

To San Francisco and fresh off signing a two-way deal with Golden State, former NBL Next Star Alex Toohey expressed how excited he is for the next stage of his journey.

"I'm super excited," the former Sydney Kings forward said at Warriors Media Day.

"The preparation for me is just trying to get better each day and look at this career as a journey, and it's obviously just the start.

"But kind of make sure when you look back at the end of the year, you feel like you gave it your all and you try to learn as much as you can and you try to grow bit by bit each day.”

Finally, while on the other end of his hoops journey, Olympic bronze medalist Joe Ingles, who turns 38 this week, believes he can still compete and contribute at the highest level.

“We’re all competitors. Honestly, I also don’t know what else I’d do, apart from maybe being a semi-pro tennis player,” 780-game NBA veteran Ingles said.

“That competitiveness is still there. Once it’s gone, it’ll be obvious, and I’ll be happy to move on.

“But right now I love being around the group. It’s all I’ve known since I was 17. This is my 20th year as a pro - that’s pretty cool.”

NBA pre-season games tip off on October 3, before the regular season gets underway on October 22.