Newly-acquired Cavaliers forward Larry Nance Jr. says he’s always held a special place in his heart for Cleveland, even when he was a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.
As most hoops fans know, The Cavs acquired Nance Jr, now 25 years of age, from the Los Angeles Lakers in a blockbuster trade deadline deal. In a surprising move, Cleveland sent out six players. In return, four new players were welcomed to the team.
As a native of Akron, Ohio, Nance Jr’s affinity for the city of Cleveland is certainly reasonable. His father, Larry Nance Sr, played for the Cavs from 1988-1994. Without a doubt, Jr. excited to play for his hometown team.
“I’m excited,” Nance Jr. told Cavs Nation’s Nikki Goel after Wednesday’s practice at the Cleveland Clinic Courts. “Even as a Laker, it was exciting to play here.”
Nance Jr. has made an immediate impact on the Cavs’ frontcourt. He has great rebounding skills, good size, a motor that just won’t quit, and a fierce dunk hand. He’s played in two games with Cleveland thus far, averaging 9.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 block in 23.0 minutes.
Nance Jr. and the Cavs, now the 3rd-ranked team in the Eastern Conference standings with a 34-22 overall record, will be back in action on Thursday night, as they’re scheduled to host the Washington Wizards inside Quicken Loans Arena. Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m. EST with TNT and FOX Sports Ohio having live broadcast coverage.
Let’s see if the Cavs, winners in each of their last four games, can keep their momentum rolling.