Hawks veteran center Larry Nance Jr. continues to provide the team with a consummate professional. But the 31-year-old center admits that his new role with the Hawks has come with some adjustments.
It’s the first time in his 10-year career that Nance has not played regular rotational minutes. But Nance understands what the Hawks need of him, but that doesn’t mean he won’t try to make their decisions more difficult when gets minutes.
“I believe in conducting yourself the right way, and professionalism will eventually lead to the right outcome,” Nance said. “And, I could have kicked and screamed and done all that, but at the same time, like it’s just not who I am, and it’s not going to be who I am.
“So, it’s a young group, and a lot of guys that are looking for a voice and some mentorship, some leadership, and that’s something I also enjoy doing. So I’ve tried to put a lot of my competitive drive into living vicariously through guys, and it’s been an adjustment, but at the same time, like staying ready and staying locked in on my craft, so whenever my chance does come, I’ll be ready.”
Nance returned to the rotation on Dec. 19 for the first time since Dec. 8 against the Nuggets after the Hawks ruled out center Onyeka Okongwu for at least a week. He knocked down five 3s and gave the Hawks some strong minutes in the team’s overtime loss to the Spurs.
The center has shot 53.7% from deep and the Hawks will look to take advantage of his shooting with Okongwu out. Nance has adjusted his game, taking advice from Brook Lopez and Al Horford on how to effectively do so.
“For me right now, I shoot every day, and I know my percentages front, back, and I’m confident that every time I shoot, it’s going in,” Nance said. “I’ve spent a lot of time on the mental aspect of shooting this summer with, Brook Lopez and I even reached out to Al Horford and guys that kind of changed their game geared towards that. And they really helped me on the mentality of, ‘hey, believe in your work. Believe in your work.’ So even, you know, I go five for six San Antonio, one for six last night and tomorrow. But the next game, I’ll shoot six again. I’ve got confident the work I put in, and very pleased with how it’s gone, so far.”
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