Larry Nance Jr. Puts Cavs on Blast, Cites Multiple Issues With Team

By Brady Klopfer
Updated: January 24, 2019

Larry Nance Jr. hasn’t seen many encouraging signs from the Cleveland Cavaliers this season, but he hopes to change that.

The big man has missed eight consecutive games due to a sprained MCL but is hoping to return to the court on Friday. And when he does, Nance intends to be more vocal and play a role in fixing the numerous issues plaguing the team.

After yet another blowout loss, Nance called out the team, as reported by Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com:

“There’s nothing good coming from this,” Nance told Cleveland.com. “This isn’t good for anyone.”

While Nance knows it will be a process for the young Cavs, he’s overtly frustrated with the team’s lack of growth from game to game. He accused the Cavs of “not learning from these losses” and “still not playing the right way,” things he hopes to help change.

The power forward sees a need on the team for more critical feedback, and he’s ready and willing to take on that role.

“Nance said Wednesday night he is ready to step into a bigger leadership role,” Fedor wrote. “He plans on taking a different approach, even being the bad guy if he has to.
“With other team leaders Tristan Thompson and Kevin Love still out, someone has to come forward and alter the message. It’s all coming from the right place, with the goal to spark a positive change.
“‘Guys haven’t been receptive to it all the time because it’s been positive and nice,’ Nance said. ‘It’s time to shine a light on the issues.'”

Like most bad teams, the bulk of Cleveland’s struggles are starting on the defensive side of the court, something that Nance was quick to note.

“I don’t care about offense. I don’t,” Nance said. “Have you seen our defensive numbers?”

Leadership aside, Nance’s return will help the team on the court, as they’ve gone 1-7 since his injury, with all seven of those losses coming by at least 16 points. On the year, the Cavs are 1-9 when Nance doesn’t play.

Nance is in his fourth NBA season, and second with Cleveland. On the season he’s averaging 8.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game for the 9-40 Cavs.