Centers are now regularly stepping out beyond the arc more often, The Cleveland Cavaliers’ Larry Nance Jr. is among them. The Cavs’ big man is by no means a chucker as he’s averaging nearly one attempt from deep per game — and making 40.9 percent of them.
NBA teams are taking more threes than ever. So far this season, teams are averaging 31.2 three-point attempts per game — over two more attempts than last season and nearly double what teams would take in the mid-2000’s.
To that end, Larry Nance Jr. has credited ex-teammate Kyle Korver for helping him learn how to be more effective from long distance.
Kyle Korver was traded to the Cavs from the Atlanta Hawks in January of 2017 for a protected first-round pick, Mo Williams, and Mike Dunleavy. Larry Nance Jr. came over with Jordan Clarkson in February of 2018 when they were traded from the Los Angeles Lakers for Isaiah Thomas, Channing Frye, and a future pick.
Last month, Korver was traded to the Utah Jazz for Alec Burks and two second-round picks. He clearly made an impact on Nance in the short amount of time they spent together. In their Wednesday night game against the New York Knicks, Nance doubled his average number of attempts and increased his percentage by hitting one out of two during their 113-106 win at home.
Larry Nance Jr. is coveted for his versatility and ability to contribute without needing the ball in his hands. He’s currently averaging just over eight points per game for the Cavs.