​On Thursday, the Indiana Pacers officially announced the signing of Larry Nance Jr. The former Wyoming standout is coming off a season in which he averaged 3.7 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game, while shooting 41.9 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from three-point range over 35 appearances for the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Pacers posted the news via X, writing, “Welcome to Indy, Larry 🤝 We have signed forward/center Larry Nance Jr.” This marks a new chapter for a versatile big man who has built his reputation on energy, defense and around-the-rim presence.
Nance Jr. was selected with the 27th pick in the 2015 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers and spent the initial 2.5 seasons of his career with the franchise. During his time in Los Angeles, he formed a notable pairing with Kobe Bryant, as the two shared the court in several memorable moments. One highlight from that era featured Nance Jr. delivering a slam over Brook Lopez during a December 14, 2016 game at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, a play captured in photographs that have since circulated among fans and analysts.
Earlier in his career, Nance Jr. played a key role for the Cavaliers, helping the team reach the 2018 NBA Finals as part of a roster that included LeBron James. In subsequent seasons, he continued to contribute as a reliable forward/center, bringing energy, rebounding, and a willingness to do the dirty work on both ends of the floor. In the 2020 season with Cleveland, he posted averages of 10.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game while shooting a solid 53.1 percent from the field, underscoring his efficiency and importance as a role player.
The trade or signing announcement also rekindles memories of his appearances in the crucial conference battles of the mid-to-late 2010s. For example, during the 2015-16 season with the Lakers, a young Nance Jr. showcased his athleticism and versatility, often matched up against some of the league’s elite bigs and wings, earning praise for his hustle and improved offensive touch. The following seasons, he continued to evolve, contributing to the Cavaliers’ run to the Finals in 2018, where his box-score numbers might not have stood out at the top of the stat sheet, but his presence on the floor added depth and defensive versatility that helped the team navigate tough playoff matchups.
Throughout his career, Nance Jr. has been recognized for his basketball IQ, his ability to switch onto multiple positions, and his willingness to crash the boards and convert second-chance opportunities. His combination of size, length, and mobility makes him a valuable asset for teams seeking a flexible frontcourt option who can contribute as a scorer in the paint, a reliable defender, and a facilitator when needed. As he joins the Pacers, expectations are that he will continue to bring veteran leadership and a steadying influence in the frontcourt, along with the defensive savvy and rebounding effort that have defined his game.
The news of his signing has drawn interest from fans who remember his early career with the Lakers, where he teamed with some of the era’s notable players and participated in high-profile playoff pushes. While the specifics of his role with the Pacers will depend on roster construction and coaching decisions, Nance Jr.’s track record suggests he can help provide depth at forward and center, contribute on the glass, and serve as a reliable option on pick-and-roll actions and putbacks. As the league continues to evolve with more emphasis on versatility and positionless basketball, Nance Jr.’s skill set aligns with teams looking for a hardworking, adaptable big man who can defend multiple frontcourt spots and contribute meaningfully on both ends of the court.