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Report: Larry Nance Jr. wants to spend rest of career with the Cavs

By Quenton S. Albertie

PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 13: Larry Nance Jr. #22 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on March 13, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 13: Larry Nance Jr. #22 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on March 13, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Will Larry Nance Jr. spend the rest of his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers?

In an interview with Forbes’ Evan Dammarell, 25-year-old big man Larry Nance Jr. said he wants to spend the rest of his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

"While trading the sunny skies of Los Angeles for the cold shores of Cleveland was surprising for Nance, he now knows that he wants to be a Cavalier for the remainder of his career."

Nance Jr.’s affinity for the Cavaliers is well-known.

He’s Akron-native who grew up as a fan of LeBron James. James was selected with the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft by the Cavs.

His father, Larry Nance, was one of the greatest players in franchise history. Nance spent the final 6+ years of his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers after being traded by the Phoenix Suns.

Nance, a three-time All-Defensive team selection and 1984 Slam Dunk Contest champion, would be named to two All-Star teams (out of three total) while with the Cavs. He’s currently top-10 in franchise history in career points and career rebounds while being third in franchise history in career blocks (1,087).

Today, Nance’s number 22 jersey is retired by the Cleveland Cavaliers and he holds a role within the organization as a Special Projects Associate.

Being a legacy player has worked out well for Nance Jr., who arrived and instantly became a fan favorite. It didn’t hurt that in his Cavs debut, he scored a career-high 22 points while snagging 15 rebounds and tallying two steals against the Detroit Pistons.

Nor did it hurt that Nance Jr. was putting guys on posters like he earned a bonus for embarrassing would-be shot-blockers.

His athleticism, namesake and defensive aptitude made him an exciting prospect for the Cavs and it wasn’t too long before fans wanted him to be their starting center. It only took nine games with the Cavs for them to get their wish.

Though Nance Jr. would be moved back to the bench during the playoffs, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ lineup decisions in the postseason were primarily about finding a starting unit that could play consistent, coordinated ball.

Unfortunately for Nance Jr., he was one of the players benched because he had only played 24 career games with the Cavs. Thompson had played 597 total games with the franchise and 373 games over the last four seasons.

Nonetheless, Nance Jr.’s seen as a cornerstone player by the Cavs and with only two seasons remaining on Thompson’s contract, Nance Jr. is pegged to be the center of the future.

It remains to be seen if an extension will be signed this season, with a lot of moving and shaking expected for the Cavs next summer as they continue to retool their roster in hopes of being a championship-contender again.

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The writing is on the wall though, as far as Nance Jr.’s career is concerned. Without any unforeseen hurdles to clear, like his dad he’ll be a Cav for the rest of his career.