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In many ways, Nance returning to Cleveland was quite possibly the league’s worst-kept secret. Even during his time in New Orleans, Atlanta and Portland — the places he went after a first Cleveland stint that lasted a little more than three years — Nance remained part of the Cavaliers’ family. He was involved in the team’s high-stakes fantasy football league. He kept strong relationships with various members of the organization, including Altman and general manager Mike Gansey. He proudly watched the All-Star-level growth of old teammate Darius Garland. He cheered on his brother, Pete. Spent summers here. Stayed embedded in the community.
“Over the past few years, when playing for the Hawks, playing for the Pelicans, yeah, I want them to win every game, but I was a Cavs fan,” Nance said. “So, watching the playoffs the past few years, it was hard not to just sit on the couch and kind of look, tap my wife and be like, ‘I can help, I could really do that.’ I’ve been ready. They just won 64 games. They’re fine. I don’t have to worry about them. I need to worry about me and making myself integrate with them.”
Marc J Spears: Larry Nance, Jr., to @andscape on signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers: “I’m just happy to be able to give all I have to help my hometown team challenge for a title.”
Marc Stein: Larry Nance Jr. is signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers, league sources tell @TheSteinLine .
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Another player the Hawks are interested in re-signing is Larry Nance Jr, HoopsHype has learned. With that said, Nance Jr. is expected to draw interest in the free agency market from teams looking for frontcourt help.
Among the crowd at the Peacock that day, and easy to spot in his Leeds shirt and yellow bucket hat, was NBA power forward Larry Nance Jr. The 6-foot 8-inch, 10-year NBA veteran became a minority stakeholder of Leeds United in 2023, buying in through Leeds owner 49ers Enterprises. Since then, he has traveled to West Yorkshire whenever possible to take in the fervent atmosphere that is synonymous with the club. “When everybody started getting off work it just filled up to the brim,” Nance told The Athletic. “It was nothing but Leeds fans in there singing and drinking and just having a great time.”
One advantage of being an investor in Leeds is the access. Nance receives match tickets when he requests them, something that is considered a treasure within the Leeds community. “We have 25,000 people on the season ticket waitlist,” Nance said. “It’s a nightmare. So yes, you get in.” Nance is also given some behind-the-scenes information about footballing decisions. “I know about all the stuff that’s potentially going on and (what players) we’re looking at. I get to know all that,” he added. “Some of the things are just obvious to me, but I guess I’ve never had to explain what actually comes with it.”
Larry Nance: The kind of player we’re going to be watching for a 15+ year career. Already gets what it means to be a professional 🙌🏽
Anthony Chiang: Hawks rule out Clint Capela, Jalen Johnson, Larry Nance Jr. and Kobe Bufkin for tomorrow's play-in game vs. Heat. Trae Young is probable with right Achilles tendinitis.
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Lauren L Williams: Per league source, Larry Nance Jr. will be out for tomorrow’s Play-In Game in Orlando. Should be getting a more formal update soon.
Marc J Spears: The Hawks announced that forward Larry Nance, Jr., was named the Jason Collier Memorial Award for the 2024-25 season. The annual award recognizes the Hawks player who embodies the spirit of community engagement exemplified by the late Atlanta center who passed away in 2005.
Brad Rowland: Larry Nance Jr. is on the FDSN broadcast right now to start Q2. Said he's doing well and rehabbing. "There's only so much we can do to help bone heal, but I'm trying."
Lauren L. Williams: Per the Hawks, Forward Larry Nance Jr. (right medial femoral condyle fracture on Feb. 10 at Orlando) is continuing to progress through his rehabilitation. He will be re-evaluated following the regular season and an update on his status will be provided at that time.
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