Cleveland Cavaliers veteran Larry Nance Jr. kept it 100 about the narrative surrounding Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James and the backlash surrounding nepotism throughout the 2024-25 season as LeBron James’ son. After Nance Jr. agreed to a one-year deal to return to the Cavs this summer, he opened up about the opportunities he received as the son of Larry Nance.
However, those opportunities came before the NBA, as Nance Jr. explained the two sides of nepotism, which include hard work and high expectations, he said, per a recent episode of the It’s Cavalier Podcast.
“I think there [are] two sides to the coin. I think a lot of our accomplishments are compared to our dad’s,” Nance Jr said. “Or ‘Hey, man, you only got that because you’re a Nance,’ but at the same time, I also get it. That does exist. I have gotten certain opportunities because my last name is Nance. Being Larry Nance Jr. in Northeastern Ohio, growing up, I’m lucky Wyoming took me on a scholarship.”
Wyoming took a chance on Nance Jr., believing that the 6-foot-3 guard would evolve into the athletic 6-foot-8 wing he is today, given his dad’s legacy as a high-flying three-time All-Star who won the NBA’s first Dunk Contest in 1984.
“I’m lucky Wyoming took me, and they took me because this kid is 6-3, can’t dunk yet, and is Nance. I’m betting on that. So, they gave me an opportunity based off of the genetics,” Nance added. “Now, I then seize that opportunity. At the same time, I was headed toward real low Division I or Division II until Wyoming was like, ‘Hey, we’ll bet on the genetics here.’ So, I’ve gotten certain opportunities, but at the same time, the NBA isn’t that opportunity.”
Larry Nance Jr. returns home on one-year deal with Cavs
David Richard-Imagn Images
Before landing DeAndre Hunter, the Cavs were connected to Larry Nance Jr. in trade rumors mid-season. After Lakers rookie Bronny James’ first season, Nance Jr., who previously played for the Cavs from 2018 to 2021, discussed the advantages that come with being the son of legendary star Larry Nance, who played for Cleveland for six NBA seasons (1988-1994).
“Maybe college. Maybe if you transfer to a certain high school, but the NBA is not the place for that,” Nance said. “You gotta think about it, how many NBA players have kids. All of them. Just about all of them and the juniors, there are not that many. So, there’s gotta be a little bit of work and a little bit of skill into it.”
The Cavs will aim to build on their historic 64-win regular season.
