The Cleveland Cavaliers have embraced the return of Akron native Nance Jr., marking a touching homecoming for the forward/center. This reunion follows a four-year absence, reigniting a bond that fans cherish deeply. With every shout reverberating through the rafters, it feels as though the wayward son has come back to the court of his youthful aspirations.
Between 2018 and 2021, Nance Jr. was a vital contributor in 182 regular-season games for Cleveland, starting 76 times. During this period, he averaged 9.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.35 steals per game.
His impact stretched into the playoffs, where he participated in 20 games during the 2017-18 season and played a crucial role in helping the Cavaliers reach the 2018 NBA Finals. The echoes of those exciting postseason nights still linger in the atmosphere—the tension, the expectation, and the undeniable enchantment of playoff basketball.
Last season, Nance Jr. donned the uniform for the , starting three of 24 games and recording averages of 8.5 points and 4.3 rebounds. Over his decade-long NBA career, he has taken part in 546 regular-season games with multiple teams, including the L.A. Lakers, Portland Trail Blazers, , and Atlanta Hawks. Like a seasoned wanderer, he’s accumulated knowledge and expertise across the league, yet it seems no place rivals home.
A proud graduate of Revere High School, Nance Jr. was selected 27th overall in the 2015 NBA Draft by the . His family roots in Cleveland run strong: his father, Larry Nance Sr., played for the Cavaliers from 1988 to 1994, and his brother, Pete Nance, joined the team during the 2023-24 season.
This exceptional trio makes the Nances one of only two families in history to have three members play for the same franchise. It’s a story laced with nostalgia and heritage, connecting generations through the passion for the game.
In a moving tribute, Larry Nance Jr. will wear the number 22 jersey, the same number retired by the Cavaliers to honor his father’s legacy. This act highlights the deep bond between the family and the team, promising an emotional chapter ahead. As he steps onto the court, jersey flowing like a superhero’s cape, one can’t help but sense the promise of fresh starts, supported by a rich past.