“I’m so proud of him for reaching this level. It's a dream come true for all of us. Now the challenge is to want more and show that it has its place. » The one who speaks is Larry Nance Jr., and he reacts to the first appearance in the NBA of Pete, his little brother. Like his big brother, Pete follows in the footsteps of their father Larry, a former Cavaliers legend.
” It's incredible “, Pete reacted, after signing up for a 10-day contract. “I'm from the area, I grew up a Cavs fan. It's a dream come true to be able to go to practice and be around the team and these guys. It’s something I’ve thought about my whole life, for sure, so it’s a really cool moment.”
A triple-double in the G-League
JB Bickerstaff therefore offered him his first minutes in the NBA on Saturday evening in the big victory against the Hawks. Two minutes in “garbage time” which did not allow him to score his first points in the NBA. But he could have a second chance since the coach appreciates his versatility, he who has the same profile as his big brother with his 2m08 and 105 kg. A few days before signing with the Cavaliers, Pete had just signed a triple-double with their G-League team: 27 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists against the Indiana Mad Ants.
“He is one of those players who asks the right questions”, appreciates JB Bickerstaff. “He’s one of those players who just needs to be told things once. He is attentive, he observes, he hangs on and he works. On the basketball level, we see how versatile he is and everything he is capable of. He can get rebounds, he can pass, he can score. He defends in several positions. And that’s what the league is looking for today – those Swiss Army knives of that size with that athleticism. But again, you give people what they deserve – and he was rewarded because he deserved it.”
Ten days with the group on the move
Having passed through NCAA Division II, Pete Nance played five years in the university circuit, including one season at North Carolina. It's an unusual journey, but he's clinging to his dreams, and he's more than enthusiastic about the idea of taking on this four-match road trip.
“In contact with the guys, talking with them, I want to learn as much as possible,” he explains about this 10-day contract. “Obviously this is the highest level possible in terms of basketball. So I soak it all in, I learn as much as possible, I give the best of myself and I give my all. Basically, I do my best to make a good impression. I think this is a big step in the right direction for me. I'm also very excited to continue to build relationships with the team, but also to see how it works.
