Cavs: Case for starting Larry Nance ahead of healthy Kevin Love

Benching a healthy Kevin Love for Larry Nance Jr. is a legit question to ask.

The Cavs are off and running this season, and Larry Nance Jr. is big reason why. At 3-1, the Cavs have pleasantly shocked their fans and the son of Cavs legend Larry Nance Sr. is one of the big reasons why.

Nance has looked stellar at power forward and even dropped 13 points and five assists in his start at small forward during the Cavs win against the 76ers.

The Cavs, of course, have a starting powerl forward in Kevin Love, who is injured for the time being, awaiting an MRI on a strained calf.

Love isn’t the scoring threat Love is, but with teammates Collin Sexton, Darius Garland and Andre Drummond filling the bucket, Nance can stay within his game and not have to leave his comfort zone.

While Love is the better rebounder, Nance is probably the better overall defender. When he’s in there with Drummond, the rim protection is better and the Cavs just look better all around. Let’s just say that how Nance talks and communicates with his teammates on rotations hasn’t gone unnoticed.

A hiccup with this plan is 3-point shooting. If the Cavs go cold, as they did in the first half against the Knicks Monday night, having Love stretch the floor is always a potential remedy. If there’s an argument to be in Nance’s favor here, it’s that he’s really worked to improve his 3-point shooting and is good enough to keep defenses honest.

Most fans will read this and scoff at the idea of benching Love. After all, he’s a “name.” That said, the Cavs need to find their best fit, and there’s no denying what Nance brings to the floor. Plus, Love isn’t exactly a spring chicken at this point of his career.  At 32, he’s battling another injury that will likely cost him three to four weeks.

Surely, money and contracts play a role because Nance makes a lot less that Love, but ask GMs who they want right now for a run at the title. I’m willing to guess the answer would be Nance.