Power Forward: Larry Nance
The Cavs acquired a trio of talented players in the 1986 draft, but they were still in need of a veteran presence.
Enter Larry Nance — the high-flying forward who was often referred to as “Leapin’ Larry” after winning the first-ever NBA dunk contest in 1984.
The Cavs acquired Nance midway through the 1987-88 campaign. His addition helped Cleveland win 11 of its final 13 games, earning the team’s first playoff berth in three years.
During his seven years with the team, Nance averaged 17.5 points, 8.6 rebounds per outing, including postseason averages of 16.0 points and 7.6 rebounds per contest.
While he was known for his scoring prowess, Nance was a solid defender as well. This assertion is supported by the fact that he was the first Cavs player to be named to the NBA’s All-First Defensive Team, a feat he accomplished three times (1988-89, ’91-92 and ’92-93)..
Nance also earned two All-Star selections; ranks third on the team in both blocks (1,087) and field-goal percentage (.530).
Furthermore, Nance was named to the Cavaliers’ All-Time Starting Five by 32 members of the Northeast Ohio media during the Cavaliers 30th anniversary season, and his jersey was retired in January of 1995.
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