“(Nance) understood and he’s good with it.”
It sounds like Larry Nance Jr. will be out of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ postseason rotation on an indefinite basis.
And he can blame Tristan Thompson for his displacement.
Nance has now logged under three total minutes through the Cavaliers’ first two games with the Toronto Raptors, both of which were victories. He also only saw 13 minutes in their Game 7 victory over the Indiana Pacers. Head coach Tyronn Lue has been more inclined to roll with Tristan Thompson off the bench, and that doesn’t sound like it’s going to change anytime soon, per Cleveland.com’s Joe Vardon:
Also, Lue said he spoke to big man Larry Nance Jr. before Game 1 to let him know he was out of the rotation because of the emergence of Tristan Thompson. Thompson started Game 7 of the last series against the Pacers and played huge minutes in Game 1 against the Raptors — and posted double doubles each time. . . .
“We talked and discussed it,” Lue said. “Just said he has to be ready, understand what we’re trying to do. From Tristan’s performance in Game 7, I thought he earned the right to play and he produced in Game 1. Everyone’s got to be ready. You never know when your name is going to be called, foul trouble, anything.
Nance at first seemed like he would provide more switchability on the defensive end, but that quickly dissipated. Thompson is moving well again in space, and the Cavaliers are a plus-11 with him in the lineup over their last three games (all wins), compared to Nance’s minus-1, according to NBA.com. So while the latter could be called upon if Thompson starts slumping again, don’t bank on Lue and the Cavaliers utilizing both unless Love proves to be unplayable at center.
