Larry Nance Jr. Bio
Larry Donnell Nance Jr. is an American professional basketball player for the Cleveland Cavaliers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Considered by many as one of the best big men ever to play in the Mountain West Conference, he played college basketball for the Wyoming Cowboys before being drafted 27th overall in the 2015 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. Nance has also played for the Portland Trail Blazers, New Orleans Pelicans, and Atlanta Hawks.
Early Life and Background
Larry Nance Jr. was born on January 1, 1993, in Akron, Ohio. He attended Revere High School, where he developed his skills as a basketball player. By his senior year, he had grown to 6 feet 7 inches and averaged 18.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game, showcasing his potential as a future professional athlete. After high school, Nance continued his education and basketball career at the University of Wyoming, where he played for the Wyoming Cowboys from 2011 to 2015.
Path to Basketball
During his college career, Larry Nance Jr. made a significant impact, averaging 11.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.1 blocks in 123 games. His performance earned him recognition, including being named a two-time First-team All-Mountain West Conference player and the Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2015. These accolades helped pave the way for his entry into the NBA, where he was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2015 NBA Draft.
Larry Nance Jr. Career
Early Career (2015–2018)
Larry Nance Jr. was drafted 27th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2015 NBA Draft. He signed his rookie scale contract with the team on July 10, 2015, and made his NBA debut on November 6, 2015, against the Brooklyn Nets, recording six points and five rebounds. Nance quickly became known for his defensive skills and versatility on the court. He recorded his first career double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds in a game against the Memphis Grizzlies on December 27, 2015. Throughout his early years with the Lakers, he showcased his potential and contributed to the team’s performance.
Breakthrough (2018–2021)
On February 8, 2018, Nance was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, his hometown team, in a deal that sent Isaiah Thomas to the Lakers. He made an immediate impact, posting career highs with 22 points and 15 rebounds in his first start for the Cavaliers. Nance played a crucial role in helping the Cavaliers reach the NBA Finals in 2018, although they were ultimately defeated by the Golden State Warriors.
Notable Works and Milestones
Nance’s tenure with the Cavaliers was marked by impressive performances, including a career-high 23 points in a game against the Atlanta Hawks in February 2020. He signed a four-year, $44.8 million contract extension with the Cavaliers in October 2018, solidifying his place on the team. Nance’s contributions on both ends of the court have made him a valuable player in the NBA.
Larry Nance Jr. Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Larry Nance Jr. has received several nominations and accolades, particularly during his time in college and his early years in the NBA. His recognition as a two-time First-team All-Mountain West Conference player and the Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year highlights his defensive prowess and overall contributions to the game.
Larry Nance Jr. Awards Won
While Larry Nance Jr. has not won any major awards in the NBA, his achievements in college basketball, including being named to the All-Mountain West Conference teams and earning the Defensive Player of the Year title, showcase his talent and hard work on the court.
Larry Nance Jr. Family
Larry Nance Jr. is the son of Larry Nance Sr., a former professional basketball player who played for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Phoenix Suns. Nance Sr. was a three-time NBA All-Star and won the league’s first Slam Dunk Contest. Nance Jr. has a close-knit family, including an older sister, Casey, who played basketball at the University of Dayton, and a younger brother, Pete, who has also pursued a basketball career.
Personal Life
In 2018, Larry Nance Jr. married his longtime girlfriend, Hailey Pince. Outside of basketball, Nance has shown support for various causes and is a fan of the soccer club Leeds United F.C. He became a part-owner of the club in 2023 as a member of the 49ers Enterprises, the investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers. Nance has also faced personal challenges, having been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at the age of 16, which he has managed throughout his career.
