Larry Nance Jr. gets an A- for his rookie season and deservedly so.
Though his numbers for the season (5.5 points per game and five rebounds per game) won’t blow anybody away, his value on the court goes beyond box score statistics. Nance’s mere presence allows for spacing and ensures that help defenders stay wary of his company so as to not get posterized. Just ask Warriors backup center Festus Ezeli, the victim of one of several Nance posters throughout the past year.
Expectations were certainly tempered coming into the season regarding Nance as he wasn’t expected to be much of a contributor. He proved those doubters wrong in a major way throughout the year and proved to be a valuable commodity in Los Angeles.
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Originally perceived to be a waste of a draft pick, Larry Nance Jr.has emerged as arguably the season’s biggest surprise. His versatility and consistent effort not only earned him a fan favorite status among fans, but they also garnered him a starting spot early on in the regular season. Likewise, Nance’s maturity and effervescent personality should result in him being a Laker for years to come.