JANUARY 3: Nance underwent surgery on Thursday to repair the fourth metacarpal bone in his right hand, the Hawks announced today in a press release. According to the team, the plan is to reevaluate Nance in two weeks and provide an updated recovery timeline at that time.
DECEMBER 30: Hawks big man Larry Nance Jr., who sustained a right hand injury in Saturday’s win over Miami, has been diagnosed with a fractured fourth metacarpal bone, the team announced in a press release (Twitter link).
Nance will undergo hand surgery on Thursday to repair the fracture. A return timeline will be provided post-surgery, per the Hawks.
A 10-year veteran, Nance was traded to Atlanta in the offseason. The 31-year-old’s role has been fairly modest in his first season with the Hawks, as he’s largely been the third-string center behind Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu. He has been quite productive when called upon, averaging 9.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.1 steals on .585/.520/.875 shooting in 15 games (19.4 minutes per contest).
Nance had received regular playing time over his past five games — including Saturday’s victory — with Okongwu out due to left knee inflammation. Over that span, he averaged 11.2 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.4 SPG and 1.6 BPG on .525/.476/1.000 shooting in 25.2 MPG.
It’s unfortunate news for Nance, who has dealt with a number of injuries throughout his career. Lauded for his locker room presence, the veteran forward/center has seen his name pop up in at least one trade rumor in 2024/25.
Nance is playing on an expiring $11.2MM contract, meaning he’ll be a free agent in 2025 unless he signs a veteran extension, which he’s eligible for through June 30.
On a more positive note for the Hawks, Okongwu was able to return to action in Sunday’s blowout victory in Toronto, posting 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting, four rebounds, two steals and one block in 18 minutes. The 24-year-old will almost certainly continue to split minutes with Capela, but Nance’s absence leaves Atlanta a little thin in the frontcourt, particularly if another injury were to occur.
The Hawks started out the season with a 7-11 record, but have gone 11-4 since. They’re riding a four-game winning streak and are currently 18-15, the No. 5 seed in the East.
Capela, Nance and two 2nds for Ayton
Ayton has skills.
What concerns me about him, is that very little has changed season to season in practically any rate % stats since he has been in the nba.
Blk, steals, assists, orpg, drpg, defense rating, getting to the line, distance.
You would think that some things would improve with experience.
I’m not sure that I have ever seen this much consistency in any nba player in their career. It is uncanny.
I would expect most would have expected some upward mobility. That’s all I’m saying.
Almost like he is bored and going through the motions. You are right. There has been little improvement. Clashing with Monty Williams because modern basketball is every team with the same playing style switching defenders. The C should not switch onto a PG and all 30 teams do it lol. Also being traded out of Phoenix.
He played well in the Olympics I believe right so that’s something.
Trae and him are about the same age and a good combo I think.
Or they can offer a 1st with Capela and Nance for Claxton on the Nets or Myles Turner etc etc (a center the same age as Trae)
Capela, Nance(can keep maybe), Bufkin and Roddy are who you trade out
“Capela, Nance and two 2nds for Ayton”
Why would the Hawks want that? Okungwu will be the starter next year and is cheaper and possibly better than Ayton right now. Hawks are not going to trade two expiring contracts and two lesser picks for a bad extension. They are better off just keeping their two bigs for the rest of the year and letting Capela walk.
I don’t think my last comment went through.
OO is 6’8. Enough said. Should be a backup PF/C. His role is perfect right now. (I don’t want to hear any wingspan crap) They need a good starting C the same age as Trae. Would Miles Turner or Claxton work?
Trade out Capela, Bufkin and Roddy (Nance if picks if needed) for a better younger C. Trade picks if needed
Miles Turner, Claxton, Ayton etc etc etc etc etc
The Hawks have been good, and fun to watch. Don’t think they’re quite contender-tier, but they look more cohesive and ready than many expected. Even when Trae hasn’t had great games or been out with injury, Johnson, Daniels, Risacher, and Okongwu have done well in picking up the slack.
They’re a better fitting team than they were last year…
But it’s the East…
If you don’t win 60 games in the East you ain’t a contender…
Hawks are a top 6 team at best… They don’t stand a chance against Boston or even a healthy Bucks team…
Really ……. then why can’t you win chips ????
“As of 2024, the Eastern champions have a 41–36 advantage in NBA titles over the Western champions, with their most recent being the Boston Celtics who have won 18 titles, the most of any team in the league.”
What about the past 30 years?
Cavs spanking Warriors ……. Cavs starters didn’t have anyone playing 30 mins. Are we taking the Cavs seriously yet ??