Koby Altman, Cleveland Cavaliers
Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images
Koby Altman, Cleveland Cavaliers
On Tuesday, July 1, the Cleveland Cavaliers secured the homecoming of Larry Nance Jr. The 32-year-0ld forward is returning to his hometown team for a second spell with the franchise, as reported by Marc Stein.
“Larry Nance and Cleveland have agreed on a deal that will allow the Akron native to return to his home state team for a second stint as a Cavalier,” Stein reported on X. “… after the Hawks’ previous regime rebuffed considerable trade interest in the versatile forward over the past season-plus.”
Nance spent last season with the Atlanta Hawks. He suited up in 24 games, averaging 8.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists, converting 51.6% from the field and 44.7% from deep. He will provide much-needed front-court depth for Kenny Atkinson’s rotation.
In his first stint with the franchise, which came between 2018 and 2021, Nance helped the Cavaliers reach the 2018 NBA Finals. In recent years, he’s expanded his game onto the perimeter and is now a reliable stretch forward who can still showcase his athletic ability when the moment is right.
Nance’s addition will help fill the depth chart following Isaac Okoro’s departure to the Chicago Bulls as part of the deal that saw Lonzo Ball head to Cleveland.
Cavaliers Urged to Move Jarrett Allen to the Bench
During a recent episode of his “Terry’s Talkin’” podcast, the long-time Cavaliers insider suggested bringing Jarrett Allen off the bench as a potential sixth man. He cited “Hot Rod Williams” as the potential blueprint for how to get the best out of the explosive rim-runner.
“I know because I kind of did some background work on this,” Pluto said. “I’m not saying they’re doing it, but they really believe that he would do it because that’s how Jarrett Allen is wired.”
A second-unit front court consisting of both Allen and Nance could be an area of strength for the Cavaliers. The floor spacing and athleticism it would pose would be enticing for Atkinson to explore.
Lonzo Ball Will Tie Second Unit Together
Adding Lonzo Ball could be a major turning point for the Cavaliers. His on-ball defense, playmaking and perimeter shooting ensures the second unit now has a high-level floor general who can make an impact on both sides of the court. Replacing Ty Jerome was never going to be easy, but Ball can help fill the void.
Of course, adding the former Los Angeles Lakers draft pick doesn’t come without risk. Ball has missed multiple seasons with a knee injury. He was also in and out of the Bull’s rotation last season, with multiple minor ailments. Cleveland will need him to remain healthy in order to succeed.
However, if Allen is moved to the bench, and Nance