Larry Nance Jr. is no stranger to the Cleveland Cavaliers. His dad, Larry Nance Sr., used to play for this team back in the late eighties and early nineties before he retired. The Cavs have since retired his No. 22 jersey in the rafters.
As for Nance Jr., he’s looking to create his own mark with the franchise and with Cavaliers fans. Judging by his response to the trade, he appears to be ready and excited to be part of the team.
In a video posted on the Cavs’ Twitter account ahead of their game against the Atlanta Hawks, Nance is seen walking the corridors of the Philips Arena happily shaking hands with people and saying “Upgraded. Upgraded.” And when he was congratulated, he said “Thank you.”
He is likely talking about being upgraded from playing for a team that’s fighting for a playoff spot to a team that has championship aspirations and currently the third seed in the Eastern Conference.
Nance was part of the blockbuster trade deadline deal that sent him and teammate Jordan Clarkson to the Cavaliers in exchange for Isaiah Thomas, Channing Fyre, and a 2018 first-round pick to the L.A. Lakers.
Altman wanted the Cavs to be younger and more athletic and they could not have gotten any younger nor more athletic than with Nance. As a third-year power forward, Nance is enjoying his best season since entering the NBA. He is averaging 8.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game.
As a Cavalier, Nance is essentially coming home as he is a native of Akron, Ohio, the same hometown as LeBron James.
His debut game will be on Sunday against the Boston Celtics.