A veteran return turned bittersweet as nagging ailments derailed Larry Nance Jr.'s rhythm, leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers to weigh sentiment against production ahead of a pivotal offseason.
The Cleveland Cavaliers were excited to bring back Larry Nance Jr. as a veteran voice and somebody who could help on the court, but it didn't work out as well as either party had hoped.
For the first time since the 2021-22 season, the Cleveland Cavaliers reunited with hometown forward Larry Nance Jr. on a one-year veteran minimum contract. He was brought in to help guide the likes of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, in addition to providing a spark off the bench with his basketball IQ and improved three-point jumper.
Before returning to the Cavs, Nance had shot 43.3% from long distance over the previous two seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans and Atlanta Hawks. A hand injury slowed that momentum, but his rebounding, back-tap prowess, and dribble handoff execution remained. Unfortunately, it didn't translate in his second stint with the Wine and Gold.
Nance's first two games of the year were solid, then it went downhill from there. For whatever reason, he just couldn't find a rhythm with the group. It was later learned that he had a bothersome left calf, which explains the shooting deficiencies and physical limitations that he didn't normally have.
After missing over a month, Nance returned to the floor, but Thomas Bryant took hold of the reserve big man role. He didn't see rotational minutes in the postseason, but he was engaged and involved with the group throughout the run to the Eastern Conference Finals.
The 33-year-old Akron native couldn't quite find it this season, which was likely not indicative of his true capabilities in a short 35 games.
REGULAR SEASON STATS
3.7 POINTS | 2.7 REBOUNDS | 1.0 ASSISTS | 41.9% FG | 33.3% 3PT | 46.2% FT
We will see what happens with Nance in free agency, as he and Thomas Bryant enter unrestricted free agency. The latter likely won't be back, and it remains to be seen whether or not Cleveland will give Junior another shot.
Big-man depth is necessary for this team, and with Dean Wade testing the market, it could be wise to bring Nance back.
The good news is that Nance's standing with the organization is nothing but positive. Regardless of what happens this summer, he will be a part of the Cavs family forever.
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