Cavs: 3 takeaways from the third quarter of the season so far

#3: Nance is the glue that keeps the Cavs together

Nance continues to be the “engine” of this Cavaliers team and his production has been felt throughout the entire season when he’s been able to go. Since the Cavs’ dud against the Atlanta Hawks mid-last month, Nance is averaging 12.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.8 steals per game, and has been shooting 51.3 percent from the field and 40.0 percent from three on 3.1 attempts per game.

And as that sort of stat line in that sample suggests, Nance has really turned himself into the ideal NBA “Swiss-Army knife,” as he’s been showcasing his finishing abilities, improved catch-and-shoot game, to go with playmaking and defense.

Offensively, his catch-and-shoot ability is what stands out the most for the Cavaliers, as over his last 10 games active, he’s been shooting 37.5 percent from three, with nearly all coming in that department. Defensively, his activity and IQ on that end is why he averages 1.8 steals over the last eight games and on the year, and that is why he should receive All-Defensive votes.

Pair his play with his continued efforts of being active in the Cleveland community, as well as being a budding leader in the locker room and you can see why Nance is loved and considered a near-untouchable.

The Cavs, even despite plenty of reported interest, didn’t seemingly show any interest in dealing him, per Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor, and it’s understandable why they didn’t.