Larry Nance Jr.

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Nance arrived in New Orleans as part of a major mid-season shakeup in February 2022, immediately facing a setback when he underwent arthroscopic right knee surgery just three days after the trade. Despite the injury, the Pelicans showed faith in his abilities by signing him to a two-year, $21.6 million contract extension the following October. During his tenure, Nance wore jersey number 22, the same number his father Larry Nance Sr. wore during his NBA career. The younger Nance had previously worn No. 22 with the Cleveland Cavaliers after receiving special permission from the NBA to honor his father, a three-time NBA All-Star and winner of the league's first Slam Dunk Contest. Nance Jr. himself participated in the 2018 Slam Dunk Contest, finishing second, and performed a tribute dunk wearing a retro 1984 Phoenix Suns uniform to honor his father's championship performance in the inaugural contest.

In Their Own Story

The trade deadline buzzer had barely stopped echoing when Larry Nance Jr. found himself packing for New Orleans. On February 8, 2022, the Portland Trail Blazers sent him, CJ McCollum, and Tony Snell to the Pelicans in a complex three-team deal. But Nance's arrival came with an immediate hurdle: three days later, on February 11, he underwent arthroscopic right knee surgery. The Pelicans, however, saw enough potential in the 6'7" forward to invest long-term. On October 1, 2022, Nance signed a two-year, $21.6 million contract extension, locking him into the franchise's future. His role became clear: provide defensive versatility, hustle plays, and the kind of energy that doesn't show up in box scores but wins games. Though his time in New Orleans ended when he was traded to the Atlanta Hawks on July 6, 2024, as part of the deal for Dejounte Murray, Nance left behind a reputation as a reliable rotation player who understood his role and executed it without complaint.

Reader's Guide

Larry Nance Jr. operated primarily as a forward/center during his time with the New Orleans Pelicans, wearing jersey number 22. His tenure with the team spanned from February 2022 through July 2024, though his first season was cut short by knee surgery immediately after the trade. Known for his defensive versatility, Nance could guard multiple positions and provided a physical presence in the paint. Off the court, Nance brought an interesting personal story: he was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at age 16, and he married his longtime girlfriend Hailey Pince in 2018. Outside of basketball, Nance supports English soccer club Leeds United F.C. and became a part owner in 2023 through the 49ers Enterprises investment group. His father, Larry Nance Sr., played for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Phoenix Suns, winning the NBA's first Slam Dunk Contest. Nance Jr. also has a younger brother, Pete, who played college basketball at Northwestern and later transferred to North Carolina.

Did You Know?

• Nance underwent arthroscopic right knee surgery just three days after being traded to the Pelicans on February 8, 2022.
• He signed a two-year, $21.6 million contract extension with the Pelicans on October 1, 2022.
• Nance was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at the age of 16.
• He became a part owner of English soccer club Leeds United F.C. in 2023 through the 49ers Enterprises investment arm.
• Nance wore No. 22 with the Pelicans, the same number his father Larry Nance Sr. wore during his NBA career.