3 Rockets who aren't living up to expectations thus far

1. Jock Landale

Jock Landale was never supposed to be on the Rockets' roster. Brook Lopez was. 

Then Dwight Powell was.

The Rockets were forced to pivot and shift gears to the Australian center after their top targets were taken off the market.

This didn't seem to be a problem following Landale's stint with the Phoenix Suns, as he averaged nearly 60 percent true shooting, 52.8 percent from the field, and 62.1 percent on two-pointers, and 16.8 points and 10.3 rebounds per 36 minutes in the regular season.

In the postseason, Landale averaged 13.7 points and 8.9 rebounds per 36, in addition to 63 percent from the field (team-high), 65.4 percent on two-pointers (second-best on the Suns) and 64.8 true shooting percentage. Not only was Landale a highly efficient scorer, he was also a good rebounder, especially on the offensive glass (1.4 offensive rebounds in the postseason, which ranked second behind only Deandre Ayton). 

Landale was supposed to be a high-level hustle player, due to his high energy and effort on both ends of the floor. And his pick-and-roll defense was also better than advertised. 

All of this made him a coveted reserve center. However, he's been unplayable, just a handful of months after receiving a four-year deal.

Thank God for the partial guarantees.

The Rockets find themselves looking to get rid of the 6-foot-11 center and will have to attach other assets just to get a high-level role player in return. His only value is that he'll essentially be an expiring deal at the end of the season.