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Larry Nance Jr. explains why he is Cavaliers’ missing piece, can solve Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen’s problem

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Bergas Agung | Last updated Aug 22, 2025 2:30 PM ET

Larry Nance Jr. rejoined the Cleveland Cavaliers after his previous stint from 2018 to 2021.

The veteran forward spent recent seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, New Orleans Pelicans, and Atlanta Hawks before returning to his childhood team.

His Atlanta tenure lasted just 24 games due to injury, but the brief sample convinced the Cleveland Cavaliers to bring him back.

Nance believes his return transcends nostalgia, despite his father Larry Nance Sr.’s Cavaliers history.

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Nance identifies himself as a missing puzzle piece for Cleveland’s playoff push

Larry Nance Jr. watched Cleveland’s recent playoff runs as a fan while playing elsewhere.

He consistently supported the Cavaliers, believes LeBron James is a GOAT, and recognized how his skill set could complement their roster construction.

“It was hard not to watch the past few years of the Cavs being in the playoffs. Being a Cavs fan, I’ve said it time and time again, when I’m on different teams I would love for the Cavs to go 80 and two, just lose against whoever I’m playing at the time,” Nance explained.

“So, being able to watch the past few years of the Cavs in the playoffs, it was hard not to kind of look at what I do and go like, ‘Man, it seems like a pretty good puzzle piece here’ and it feels that way since I’ve got here.”

Three-point shooting development of Nance addresses Cavaliers’ spacing concerns

Nance believes he solves Cleveland’s frontcourt spacing issues. While Evan Mobley shot a respectable 37% from three-point range last season, other bigs like Jarrett Allen and Tristan Thompson lack perimeter shooting ability.

Nance has shot over 40% from beyond the arc over the past two seasons. Despite limited minutes, his average three-point production exceeded Mobley’s last season.

“Over the past few years I’ve really worked hard to develop my three-point shot and that’s really been a huge asset for my game. So, their frontcourt, Evan and Jarret t, are obviously allstar, super defensive players,” Nance said.

“They’re awesome, but the one thing that I really think that I can help them with is adding a player in the front court that can bring your bigs out, bring your bigs away from the rim a little bit. Stretch the corner, stretch the court from the top of the key.”

If Nance maintains his health and secures consistent rotation minutes, his floor-stretching ability could prove crucial for Cleveland’s playoff success.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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