Larry Nance Jr. is rejoining the Cleveland Cavaliers for a second tenure, offering the team a valuable option as they strengthen their roster ahead of the new season. His return addresses Cleveland’s need for a reliable backup big man while adding greater spacing and versatility to the lineup.
Nance’s skills suit the Cavaliers’ gameplay style well, particularly due to his ability to operate as a small-ball center who can defend multiple positions and stretch the floor. Over the last two seasons, he has maintained a 43.3 percent three-point shooting rate, making him a threat beyond the arc that few traditional big men possess. This shooting prowess enhances Cleveland’s offensive flexibility and can help open driving lanes for their guards and wings.
Evaluating the Risks: Past Injuries Cloud the Outlook
Despite optimism about his contributions, concerns about Nance’s injury history temper expectations. Bleacher Report analyst Andy Bailey assigned a “B” grade to the Cavaliers for acquiring Nance but emphasized the uncertainty due to his health struggles. Bailey explained,
“When healthy (and that’s a huge caveat in Nance’s case), he’s a switchable small-ball 5 who can create a bit and pass the ball better than most bigs,”
—Andy Bailey, Bleacher Report. However, he also noted that Nance’s availability has been inconsistent, a major consideration for a Cavaliers roster already managing injury challenges.
Managing Playing Time to Preserve Longevity
Nance’s durability remains a pressing question as he prepares to contribute this season. Since his trade from Cleveland in 2021, he has rarely surpassed 65 games played in a single year, with the 2022-23 campaign being an exception. Last season saw his court time shrink dramatically, logging just 24 games for the Atlanta Hawks. This history suggests the Cavaliers will need to carefully monitor his minutes to reduce the risk of further setbacks.
Head coach Kenny Atkinson is expected to limit Nance’s playing time to approximately 15 minutes per game. This strategy could help protect Nance from overuse while maximizing his effectiveness in shorter bursts, allowing the team to maintain depth and keep their roster healthy for a demanding season.
Potential Contributions and What Lies Ahead
If Larry Nance Jr. remains healthy, his return could prove to be one of the quiet but impactful moves of the offseason. His unique combination of defense, floor spacing, and playmaking can enhance the Cavaliers’ frontcourt and provide critical support alongside the team’s established big men. Cleveland’s fans and management will closely watch Nance’s progress as the season unfolds, hoping he can fulfill the promise his skill set suggests while navigating the challenges posed by his injury history.