Cavs: 2 realistic expectations for Larry Nance Jr. for next season

#2: Nance’s leadership role continues to become more prominent

The second realistic expectation I have for Nance for next season is for his leadership role to become more prominent. Frankly, that seemed to be the case last season, and it appears that’s only going to keep coming more into the forefront with him and the team’s dynamic, which speaks volumes to his commitment level.

Nance seems to be one of the best defensive communicators on the Cavaliers, and that will continue to be apparent, whether or not the to-be unrestricted Tristan Thompson is back with Cleveland next season.

Meanwhile, on the offensive end, Nance is a player that the Cavs are and will be able to go to if needed to help reset the offense when that’s called for, which will aid young players such as Garland and KPJ.

Also, though, when taking both ends of the floor into consideration, with the constant energy and juice/nonstop effort possession-to-possession that Nance shows in his minutes-share, that sort of example has and will help set an outstanding example for Cavs youngsters.

Last but absolutely not least, the 27-year-old Nance’s efforts off the floor play into his leadership presence likely growing within the squad, too.

The way he’s helped out the local community, such as donating $50,000 each to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank and Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank to seemingly aid those affected by the novel coronavirus pandemic, and spreading awareness of the importance of voting, are just a few examples, even.

That seemingly has been in a similar way to that of Kevin Love and Andre Drummond, who have done more than their fair share to help positively impact those around them in such a difficult year, also in relation to social injustice, as well. Let’s not discount what Bickerstaff has done in the leadership realm, either, though.

With the work Nance has put in to expand his game in recent seasons, with him being an exemplary teammate on and off the floor and being an especially active member of the community, his leadership role will be expanding more and more going forward.