Larry Nance Jr. playing well as reserve for Pelicans

Via the New Orleans Times-Picayune:

The Pelicans are in first place in the Western Conference. They have ripped off seven straight wins without an injured Brandon Ingram, a winning streak they can attribute to [Zion] Williamson playing like a superstar and their depth, of which Nance is a major part of.

[Larry Nance Jr.] has been one of the NBA’s most valuable reserves this season. He is averaging 9.5 points on 66.4% shooting, 5.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1 steal and 0.9 blocks in 23 minutes. The Pelicans are blasting opponents with him on the floor, outscoring other teams by 11.6 points per 100 possessions.

Pelicans coach Willie Green has chose to use Nance primarily at center. He has spent 90% of his minutes at that position, according to Cleaning the Glass. The Pelicans can switch every ball screen when he’s at center in what they call their “red” defense.

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New Orleans Pelicans sign Larry Nance Jr. to contract extension

The New Orleans Pelicans have signed forward Larry Nance Jr. to a multi-year contract extension.

Per the New Orleans Times-Picayune a few days ago, “Nance, who was already owed $9.7 million this season, will sign a two-year extension with New Orleans worth $21.6 million. His deal contains no team or player options, a league source said.”

Nance Jr., 6-7, 245, who was acquired by New Orleans in a mid-season trade with the Portland Trail Blazers, appeared in 46 games (11 starts) during the 2021-22 season, averaging 7.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 0.9 steals in 22.6 minutes per game. In nine games with New Orleans, Nance Jr. averaged 7.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 0.9 assists in 20.2 minutes per game while shooting .551 from the floor and .500 from deep. In the Pelicans’ first round playoff series with Phoenix, Nance Jr. appeared in all six games and averaged 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 21.7 minutes per contest.

Per the Times-Picayune, “Nance, once he was fully healed from right knee surgery, gave the Pelicans important minutes as a backup big man upon returning to the lineup in late March.”

Drafted 27th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2015 NBA Draft, the seven-year veteran has appeared in 396 games (134 starts) with the L.A. Lakers, Cleveland, Portland and New Orleans, posting career averages of 8.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.2 steals in 24.1 minutes, while converting .529 from the field, .333 from behind the arc and .689 from the free throw line. Nance has also appeared in 26 postseason games for Cleveland and New Orleans, averaging 5.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 16.8 minutes per contest.

NBA trade sends CJ McCollum from Trail Blazers to Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans have acquired CJ McCollum, Larry Nance Jr., and Tony Snell in a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers.

In exchange, New Orleans sent Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Josh Hart, Didi Louzada, Tomáš Satoranský, a protected 2022 first round draft pick, and two future second round draft picks to the Blazers.

“On behalf of the Trail Blazers organization, I want to thank CJ McCollum for the integral role he has played in the success of the franchise over the last nine seasons and for his countless acts of service to the Portland community,” said Trail Blazers Interim General Manager Joe Cronin. “CJ has cemented himself in Trail Blazers history with his elite skill level and memorable moments on the court as well as with the work ethic, professionalism and generosity he displays behind the scenes.”

“I also want to thank Larry Nance Jr., Tony Snell and Cody Zeller for their contributions to the organization and community this season,” Cronin continued. “We wish all four players success moving forward.”

McCollum, 6-3, 190, has appeared in 36 games (all starts) for Portland this season, averaging 20.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 35.2 minutes per game while shooting .436 from the field and .384 from deep. Drafted tenth overall by Portland in the 2013 NBA Draft out of Lehigh, the nine-year NBA veteran has appeared in 564 career games (467 starts) with the Blazers, averaging 19.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 31.5 minutes per game while shooting .453 from the field and .396 from deep. McCollum has also appeared in 57 career playoff games (47 starts) throughout his career, averaging 20.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 35.1 minutes per contest.

Nance Jr., 6-7, 245, has appeared in 37 games (11 starts) for Portland this season, averaging 6.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 23.2 minutes per game. Drafted 27th overall in the 2015 NBA Draft out of Wyoming, Nance Jr. has appeared in 387 career games (134 starts) with Portland, Cleveland, and the Los Angeles Lakers, averaging 8.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 24.1 minutes per game.

Snell, 6-6, 213, has appeared in 38 games (10 starts) for Portland this season, averaging 2.6 points and 1.9 rebounds in 14.4 minutes per game. Drafted 20th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft out of New Mexico, Snell has appeared in 586 career games (308 starts) with Portland, Atlanta, Detroit, Milwaukee, and Chicago, averaging 6.1 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 21.9 minutes per game. Snell has also appeared in 47 career playoff games (8 starts) throughout his career, averaging 2.9 points and 1.1 rebounds in 12.7 minutes per contest.

Alexander-Walker, 6-5, 205, whose draft rights were originally acquired by the Pelicans from the Atlanta Hawks via trade on July 7, 2019, has appeared in 50 games (19 starts) for the Pelicans this season, averaging 12.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 26.3 minutes per game. In three seasons with New Orleans, Alexander-Walker appeared in 143 games (33 starts), averaging 9.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 20.4 minutes per game.

Hart, 6-5, 215, who was originally acquired by the Pelicans from the Los Angeles Lakers in a three-team trade on July 6, 2019, appeared in 41 games (40 starts) for New Orleans this season, averaging 13.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 33.5 minutes per game. Hart has appeared in 283 career games (105 starts) with New Orleans and the Los Angeles Lakers, holding averages of 9.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 27.0 minutes per game.

Louzada, 6-5, 210, whose draft rights were originally acquired by the Pelicans from the Atlanta Hawks via trade on July 7, 2019, appeared in five games off the bench for the Pelicans over the last two seasons, averaging 1.6 points and 1.0 rebound in 12.6 minutes per game.

Satoranský, 6-7, 210, who was originally acquired by New Orleans from the Chicago Bulls on August 8, 2021, appeared in 32 games (three starts) for the Pelicans this season, averaging 2.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 15.0 minutes per game. Satoranský has appeared in 365 career games (172 starts) over six seasons with New Orleans, Chicago, and Washington, averaging 7.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 22.4 minutes per game.

Celtics reportedly might have interest in trading for Larry Nance Jr.

With the NBA trade deadline coming later this month, rumors will start to increase on players who could be on the move. Via Boston.com:

The Celtics are reportedly exploring the trade market, and you can add another name to their target list.

Boston is one of the several teams that are interested in Cleveland Cavaliers forward Larry Nance Jr., Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor reported. The 76ers, Pelicans, Heat, Mavericks, and Timberwolves are the other teams that have shown interest in Nance.

Enjoy tonight’s All-Star game. We’ll get more into trade rumblings in the coming days.

Cavs forward Larry Nance Jr. undergoes finger surgery

Cavaliers forward Larry Nance Jr. underwent successful surgery today to address a fracture in his left fourth metacarpal that occurred during Saturday night’s home game against Milwaukee at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

The surgery was performed by Cleveland Clinic Orthopedic Specialist Dr. Steven Maschke and assisted by Cavaliers Team Physician Dr. James Rosneck at Cleveland Clinic Sports Health.

Nance is expected to remain out approximately six weeks and will undergo a period of rest and rehabilitation.

Cavaliers forward Larry Nance Jr. out six weeks with broken finger

Cavaliers forward Larry Nance Jr. will miss time after suffering a fracture in his left fourth metacarpal (finger/hand) during Saturday night’s home game against Milwaukee at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

Nance is expected to miss approximately six weeks due to the injury.

He will now undergo a series of treatment and rehabilitation activities.

The Cavs are 10-14 this season, which is the 10th best record in the Eastern conference. The team is being led in scoring this season by Collin Sexton at 23.6 points per game, Andre Drummond at 18.6 PPG, Darius Garland at 16.0 ppg, and Cedi Osman at 12.2 ppg. Nance has started 18 of the 19 games he’s played, but as a role player puts up modest stats: 9.3 ppg, 6.8 rpg and 3.2 apg in 33.4 minutes per outing.

Cavs forward Larry Nance Jr out 1-2 weeks

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Larry Nance Jr. will miss around 1-2 weeks of action due to continued left knee soreness that he’s experienced since missing December 23 Cavs game against the Hawks.

Nance underwent imaging and evaluation at Cleveland Clinic Sports Health by the Cavaliers medical staff today. He will now undergo a period of treatment and rehabilitation and his return to play will be updated as appropriate.

An active member of the team’s rotation this season, Nance has come off the bench for 26 of his 31 games played, and in 24.3 minutes per outing is averaging 8.0 points and 7.0 rebounds.

Cavs sign Larry Nance Jr. to contract extension

The Cleveland Cavaliers have signed forward Larry Nance Jr. to a multi-year contract extension.

“We are extremely excited to have Larry in a Cavaliers uniform long-term,” said Altman. “His athleticism is off the charts and his positive attitude, work ethic and most importantly, his desire to be in Cleveland embodies all that we want out of our players both on and off the court. We look forward to watching his continued development and feel strongly that Larry can be a special player in this league for many years to come.”

According to Cleveland.com, “Nance and the Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to a four-year contract extension, solidifying him as a franchise building block while the organization attempts to rebuild a championship roster in the post-LeBron era. According to a league source, it’s a four-year deal worth $44.8 million.”

“I’m actually at a loss for words right now,” said Nance. “To continue playing basketball for a franchise I grew up with and watched as my father starred here is truly a blessing. I’m extremely happy to be a Cavalier and I can now begin to establish my own long-term legacy in this community. I want to thank Dan, Koby and our coaching staff for believing in me and my potential. This is truly a dream come true.”

Nance (6-9, 230) was originally acquired by the Cavaliers through a trade with the Los Angeles Lakers on Feb. 8, 2018. In 24 games (nine starts) with Cleveland last season, he averaged 8.9 points on .550 shooting, 7.0 rebounds and 1.21 steals in 20.8 minutes per contest. He played in 42 games (17 starts) for the Lakers, averaging 8.6 points on .601 shooting, 6.8 rebounds and 1.40 steals in 22.0 minutes per game. On the season, Nance averaged career highs of 8.7 points on .581 shooting, 6.8 rebounds and 1.33 steals in 21.5 minutes per game over 66 games (26 starts).

More from Cleveland.com: “Nance, an Akron-native, worked with the Cavs so his salary declines as the deal goes along and the team can maintain cap flexibility. The first year of his contract is expected to be worth $12.7 million. He is set to make around $9.6 million in the final year. There are no options included in the contract and he will become an unrestricted free agent following the 2023 season.”

The 6-9 forward recorded 11 double-doubles in 2017-18, including five as a member of the Cavs. He posted consecutive double-digit scoring outings in a career-high seven games from Feb. 27-March 11. In his first start with the Cavs on March 5, Nance set career highs in points, rebounds and field goals made, finishing with 22 points on 9-15 (.600) shooting and 15 rebounds in 32 minutes versus Detroit. Along with his father, Larry Nance Sr., who had 149 20-point outings as a member of the Cavaliers from 1988-1994, the Nances became just the fifth father-son duo to score at least 20 points in a game for the same franchise, joining Rick and Jon Barry (Houston Rockets), Doc and Austin Rivers (Los Angeles Clippers), Ernie and Kiki Vandeweghe (New York Knicks) and Gerald Henderson Jr. and Sr. (Philadelphia 76ers). Nance participated in the Verizon Slam Dunk Contest at 2018 NBA All-Star Weekend, where he finished in second place.

The Akron, Ohio native was originally selected by the Lakers with the 27th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft after playing four years collegiately at the University of Wyoming. He owns career averages of 7.1 points on .547 shooting from the field, 5.9 rebounds and 1.17 steals in 21.5 minutes per game in 192 career contests (55 starts) over three seasons with Los Angeles and Cleveland.