Cleveland Cavaliers: Grading Larry Nance Jr.’s play thus far in 2019-20

Grading Nance’s overall play thus far this season

Looking at Nance’s overall play this year, the improvements on his three-point shot and his ability to facilitate are both things that will help the Cavs moving forward. At 6-foot-7, he has notable size and ability to play three different positions and this kind of versatility is something that the Cavs are lacking. Overall, there are a few things that Nance can improve/add.

Taking more shots and improving on his ball-handling can go a long way for the Cavs and himself. I’m not saying that he needs to develop an elite handle, but having a more respectable dribble (even while improved) paired with his athleticism can leave a defender on ropes on how they defend him.

On offense, he should look to continue to improve his three-point touch and if so, his game would take a massive leap.

Defensively, Nance is fine where he is at but, there is always room for improvement. On this side of the ball, he could look to tweak some things and possibly add more muscle to improve his defense against players bigger than him.

All in all, Nance does a lot of the dirty work on offense and defense. Whether he is setting screens for players such as Sexton or Kevin Porter Jr. or helping to box out, Nance has constantly made the right play and it has helped to add wins to the Cavaliers’ record.

In conclusion, I say that Nance’s overall play was a bit above average when realistically leaning more so to a C+ offensive grade, when you take into account everything he has done for this team that doesn’t show up in the box score such as making the right/extra pass, hustling and improving team chemistry.

Nonetheless, offensive on-ball improvements would go a long way for his game, but he is definitely capable.

Nance’s overall 2019-20 grade thus far: B-

Either way, I’d expect Nance to only get better in coming years and continue to have a key role.