Cavaliers: Pete Nance has the genes for the NBA, but wants to be his own player

INDEPENDENCE – Pete Nance is a high-pedigree player who is living out his dream. The 6-foot-11, 230-pound power forward signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Cavaliers after not being drafted June 22 coming out of the University of North Carolina. He worked out with other rookies and selected veterans at Cleveland Clinic Courts and will accompany the Cavs to the Las Vegas summer league. "A lot of times it's stressful for a lot of guys," the Revere High School product said. "I try to zoom out and look at how excited my 10-year-old self would be right now. It's a cool thing for me and super surreal." Nance, 23, said he grew up rooting for the Cavs and watching his older brother, Larry Nance Jr., play in Cleveland from 2017-21. He's now a member of the New Orleans Pelicans. Of course, his father, Larry Nance Sr., had an illustrious 13-year NBA career, including his last seven seasons with the Cavs from 1987-94. "Watching games and watching LeBron (James) and all those guys, that was my dream, to be able to play for the Cavs," Pete Nance said. "Growing up 30 minutes away (in Richfield), my dad played here. My brother played here. So, it's a very cool thing for me. I couldn't be more excited about it." He said the Cavs were his last pre-draft workout this year and he said he played well, which might have left an impression with the front office. He talked to his family about the workout and what could happen. "My mom (Jaynee) always wants me home," he said. "She was very, very excited. Everybody is super excited for me. I appreciate them having my back." Pete Nance said he's living at his brother's house. Nance Jr. told him to enjoy the process. "You only go through this scenario once," Pete Nance said. "Take full advantage of it and attack it with everything (I've got). At the same time, don't put any pressure on it and have fun with it. I personally am at a big advantage with that. I've got two great people in my corner to give me advice on it." He said he wants to be known as his own player and not Nance Sr.'s son or Nance Jr.'s brother. "A lot of times I'm going to get compared to my family members," Pete Nance said. "I'm really my totally own player. I have my own game that is totally separate from theirs. I want to make a name for myself." He describes himself as a "high IQ, floor-spacing, mobile big man who can guard multiple positions." Even though he wants to create his identity, he seems to be describing his father's game. "We're all high IQ players," Pete Nance said. "We all are pretty good shot blockers and rim protectors. That's things I've gotten from them and picked their brains on over the years." He is motivated with the fact he was not drafted. Some thought he would be a second-round pick. "I love it," Pete Nance said. "It's my journey. I'm excited about it." An Exhibit 10 contract is a one-year, minimum salary contract with a special clause that allows the team to convert it to a two-way contract before the start of the season. He would also be waived and given $50,000 to sign with their G League affiliate. He spent four seasons at Northwestern before transferring to North Carolina. Pete Nance started all 30 games for the Tar Heels in 2022-23 and averaged 10 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.1 blocks. Bob Finnan can be reached at rfinnan30@gmail.com and follow him @BobCavsinsider on Twitter.