The sample size is yet to be significant, but Larry Nance Jr. is on the right track to prove right those that are saying that he should be promoted into becoming the permanent starting center for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He’s more athletic and has a slightly better offensive game. Plus, he’s got good hands to catch passes like this one from Cavs star LeBron James.
With less than five minutes to go in the third quarter of the defending Eastern Conference champs’ game against the Denver Nuggets, James dished out a nifty behind-the-back pass to the second-generation Cavalier who was prepared to take off for a strong drive.
That was just two of Nance’s 13 total points on the night. He played excellently for the second consecutive contest since filling in for the injured Tristan Thompson, finishing the game with 13 rebounds, three assists, and four steals to go along with his scoring production.
Nance is coming off a career-high 22 points in the Cavs’ win over the Detroit Pistons on Monday night where he also hauled in 15 rebounds. He has received a warm welcome from Wine and Gold fanatics since his arrival via trade and he’s done nothing but good things for the Cavs since.
Thompson is expected to be out for an extended period and head coach Tyronn Lue should have plenty to think about if Nance continues to produce spectacular numbers at the five position while Canadian big man recuperates.
Prior to tonight’s game, Nance has averaged 11.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game for the Cavs.