Among the many moves that the Cleveland Cavaliers made on Thursday morning prior to the trade deadline, third-year forward Larry Nance Jr. was one of the many players acquired.
Nance Jr. was a part of the blockbuster trade that sent himself and guard Jordan Clarkson to the Cavaliers in exchange for point guard Isaiah Thomas, forward Channing Fyre, and a protected 2018 first-round pick to the Los Angeles Lakers. In wake of the move, Nance Jr. took to social media to voice his appreciation for his brief time in Los Angeles while looking forward his next venture in his hometown of Cleveland.
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Nance Jr. is in his third-year in the league and has established himself as one of the more athletic big men in the league. He is in the midst of a career-best season averaging 8.6 points with 6.8 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 22.0 minutes per contest. He has scored in double figures 17 times and notched six double-doubles.
The 25-year-old could figure greatly into the Cavaliers plans as one of the key contributors off the bench in a similar fashion to what he provided the Lakers. He is a big man that can work well in transition and a strong finisher at the rim that could quickly become a fan favorite in Cleveland due to his energy and effort that he brings to the game. This has often times seen him throw down some jaw-dropping dunks.
On top of that, this opportunity will allow him to play for the team that his father, Larry Nance Sr. took the court for several years and has his No. 22 jersey retired. What could be a bit strange for him is participating in the 2018 Slam Dunk Contest next week back at Staples Center in a different uniform. Nonetheless, his addition to Cavaliers should help provide the team a much-needed jolt that they have been missing over the last few weeks.