01-30-2025, 09:05 PM
Athletic write up on Larry nance jr
I don't totally understand what's happening in Atlanta with Nance. He started the season hurt but came back after the first week and played well in nine games. He's never been a guy whose presence pops on the stat sheet, but he's averaging 9.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists in about 19 minutes per night. He also got a strong run of six games around Christmas before breaking a bone in his hand that required surgery. He's been out since then but is not expected to be out for long.
Everywhere Nance goes, his team gets better when he's on the court. Every season of his career outside of last year, from 2015-16 onward, Nance's teams have both been better on offense and defense when he's been on the court. Why does this happen? It's because he's the perfect low-usage player. Nance does everything well except create his own shot. He's a semi-real shooter now, having hit 37 percent from 3 since 2019-20. He passes well and makes quick decisions. The ball never sticks in his hands. He finishes efficiently around the rim and picks his spots well. On defense, he's constantly in the right position, rotates exceptionally well and is always available for his teammates.
Nance makes about $11.2 million and is on an expiring contract. The Hawks have been telling teams that they want to keep Nance. Will that remain the case if the two sides can't agree on a contract extension before the deadline, especially if they struggle to move Clint Capela or Onyeka Okongwu? If so, expect a significant number of organizations to potentially get involved here because they think Nance could help in a late-season push with frontcourt depth. The top two teams that come to mind are the Cavaliers and Bucks, both of whom need an influx of smart defensive play off the bench.
Trade value
Second-rounders
Best fits
Cavaliers, Pacers, Lakers, Bucks
Age
32
Position
Forward/Center
Contract Value
11.2M
I don't totally understand what's happening in Atlanta with Nance. He started the season hurt but came back after the first week and played well in nine games. He's never been a guy whose presence pops on the stat sheet, but he's averaging 9.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists in about 19 minutes per night. He also got a strong run of six games around Christmas before breaking a bone in his hand that required surgery. He's been out since then but is not expected to be out for long.
Everywhere Nance goes, his team gets better when he's on the court. Every season of his career outside of last year, from 2015-16 onward, Nance's teams have both been better on offense and defense when he's been on the court. Why does this happen? It's because he's the perfect low-usage player. Nance does everything well except create his own shot. He's a semi-real shooter now, having hit 37 percent from 3 since 2019-20. He passes well and makes quick decisions. The ball never sticks in his hands. He finishes efficiently around the rim and picks his spots well. On defense, he's constantly in the right position, rotates exceptionally well and is always available for his teammates.
Nance makes about $11.2 million and is on an expiring contract. The Hawks have been telling teams that they want to keep Nance. Will that remain the case if the two sides can't agree on a contract extension before the deadline, especially if they struggle to move Clint Capela or Onyeka Okongwu? If so, expect a significant number of organizations to potentially get involved here because they think Nance could help in a late-season push with frontcourt depth. The top two teams that come to mind are the Cavaliers and Bucks, both of whom need an influx of smart defensive play off the bench.
Trade value
Second-rounders
Best fits
Cavaliers, Pacers, Lakers, Bucks
Age
32
Position
Forward/Center
Contract Value
11.2M