With Tristan Thompson out of commission due to an ankle injury, Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue has given newly-acquired big man Larry Nance Jr. a starting nod at center in recent games. To be frank, the decision has paid off in a big way, as Nance Jr. has become a focal point in Cleveland’s playbook on both ends of the floor.
Nance Jr, now 25 years of age, has played just ten games with the Cavs thus far, but he’s already topping LeBron James in the plus-minus department by quite a wide margin.
In his two games as Cleveland’s starting center (both wins), Nance Jr. has recorded averages of 17.5 points, 14.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 3.0 steals in 34.5 minutes.
Via Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com:
“I don’t think score, I think making the right play,” coach Lue said of Nance, who in his first start with the Cavs posted career highs in points (22) and rebounds (15) on Monday.
“I think teams, with their 5s, their dropping in the paint, looking to help,” Lue continued. “He’s making his elbow jump shot. I think attacking when he gets it off the glass and pushing it full court, and just rolling to the rim hard. I think his offensive rebounds, being active on the glass and putbacks, that’s what we need him for.”
18 games remain for the Cavs in this regular season. Vardon notes that coach Lue will use the next two weeks to determine if Nance Jr. should start at center.
As Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue evaluates Larry Nance Jr. over these next two weeks to determine if he should start at center, he’s not necessarily looking for more 22-point games.
Nance was scheduled to start again Wednesday against the Nuggets, and likely for at least the next two weeks while Tristan Thompson is out with a sprained right ankle.
For reference, Thompson has played in 42 games with the Cavs this season, averaging 6.3 points and 6.5 rebounds.
“We gotta do it by committee,” Coach Lue told Cleveland.com. “It’s not going to be one, two, and three every single night. We gotta have guys step up and play well and those guys who play, they’ll probably finish the game, who plays well, so.
“We have a little different team and we understand that, so we just gotta figure it out.”
The Cavs will continue their six-game road trip with a matchup against the L.A. Clippers on Friday night. Tip-off is set for 10:30 p.m. EST with FOX Sports Ohio having live broadcast coverage.
