Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective

Episode: Cavs Ready For Finals Contention? + NBA Players & Soccer With Larry Nance Jr.

Date: August 22, 2025
Host: Brian Windhorst (B), with Tim Bontemps, Band McMahon, and guest Larry Nance Jr.

Episode Overview

This episode blends basketball and soccer, spotlighting Cleveland Cavaliers big man and minority Leeds United owner Larry Nance Jr. Larry joins Windhorst and the crew just after Leeds’ dramatic win in their Premier League opener. The conversation explores NBA free agency, Cleveland’s playoff hopes, what Nance brings to the Cavs, and the deepening love affair many NBA players—including Nance—have with soccer. A particular highlight is Larry’s announcement of a new soccer-centric podcast with Men in Blazers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Leeds United’s Premier League Return and Larry’s Passion for Soccer

[01:01-04:36]

• Larry is “floating on air” after Leeds’ victory, describing the rush and pride of being not just a fan but a minority owner.

  • “I’m good at basketball, but my true passion… If I could take my talent from basketball and put it in another sport, I’d do it for soccer in a heartbeat.” – Larry Nance Jr. [02:41]

• He compares the drama (or lack thereof) of Leeds’ promotion (“no drama going up as champs”) and shares the community feel and blue-collar identity of the club, likening it to his Cleveland roots.

• Larry will travel to England for in-person matches during the NBA offseason.

2. Larry’s Soccer Origins and NBA-Soccer Crossover

[04:36-05:32]

• Soccer was Larry’s first sport; he played for 14–15 years before outgrowing his position and switching to basketball.
• The panel discusses the sport’s growing presence in NBA locker rooms, showing how European football influences have grown stateside.

3. Free Agency: Nance’s Perspective

[05:32-07:27]

• This was Larry’s first time as an unrestricted free agent—an experience he “hated,” preferring the stability of being signed.
  • “I like being employed… For me, I’ve always found one of the parts of my job that I enjoy the most is investing into the program, the organization, the community that I’m part of.” – Larry Nance Jr. [05:53]
• The unpredictability and lack of control during free agency felt foreign to him.
• “It ended pretty well and I’m happy to be home back in Cleveland.” [06:22]

4. Returning to Cleveland & Cavs Roster Construction

[07:27-13:17]

• Larry describes how his family ties (“ideal to raise [my kids] on the east near my parents”) factored into his decision.
• He discusses Cavs’ roster dynamics, internal recruiting, and his fit—especially given his improved three-point shooting.
  • “You really have to guard me from out there. So it’ll be a new look for [coach Kenny] to toy with.” – Larry Nance Jr. [11:13]
  • “45% on threes last year, Mr. Nance, on three a game. That’s not bad.” – Brian Windhorst [11:54]
• The Cavs are young and talented (64 regular season wins last year) but have underachieved in the postseason. Larry reflects on the “butterfly effect” of his trades contributing to the current team’s evolution.
  • “I’ve always liked to take a little bit of credit for how the Cavs got here… Trading me got you Lowry. Trading Lowry got you Don.” – Larry Nance Jr. [13:33]

5. Playoff Hurdles and What’s Next for the Cavs

[13:17-16:13]

• The group discusses what’s missing from the Cavs’ playoff runs. Larry stresses that “very rarely do you get a team in the NBA that just ascends straight to a championship.”
  • “…this team has paid their dues. Feels like they’ve taken their lumps… I can help with playoff versatility… with spacing the court…” – Larry Nance Jr. [14:45]
• He expresses optimism about both his role and the Cavs’ path to deeper playoff runs.

6. Role as Veteran Leader and Team Dynamics

[17:24-19:19]

• Larry reveals he’s now the oldest player on the Cavs (“the only guy above 30”) and the importance of mentoring young players like Tyrese Proctor and Craig Porter.
  • “With that comes some investment in guys… just being the old vet, showing them how to maintain professionalism and last in the league for a decade.” – Larry Nance Jr. [18:10]
• Discussion of “Unk” as the locker room nickname for NBA veterans.

7. NBA Player-Soccer Culture & New Podcast Announcement

[21:35-25:34]

• Larry announces “Switch the Play,” his new podcast with Roger Bennett of Men in Blazers.
  • “We’re constantly having conversations about [soccer]… This podcast is about exploring the parallels between the two games and how NBA players found love with a different sport.” – Larry Nance Jr. [22:23]
• His first guest will be Alex Caruso, fellow NBA player and soccer (Manchester City) enthusiast.
• Larry recounts being a Chelsea supporter until acquiring ownership in Leeds.

8. NBA Players as European Football Owners & Fans

[25:34-27:48]

• Discussion of how Larry became a Leeds owner, with TJ McConnell acting as a conduit (“shout out TJ—spoiler alert, he’ll also be on the pod”).
• Larry and wife visited Leeds, noting the parallels between the city’s culture and his Cleveland roots.
• Praise for the majority owners (49ers group) and the club’s turn-around efforts.

9. Soccer’s Influence on Basketball and Fan Culture

[27:48-31:48]

• Larry and Brian discuss the nuanced appreciation in soccer cultures and how it translates to enjoying basketball beyond scoring—the ‘effort plays’ that fans in Europe go crazy for.
  • “Their fan culture is tribal about their teams… If you’re one of us, you’re one of us and we’ve got your back… I think that’s one of the things that’s just so special about it and why I fell in love with it.” – Larry Nance Jr. [29:22]
• The American sports mentality (with exact clocks and timeouts) vs. soccer’s “inexact” stoppage time and the tension it creates.
  • “You can feel the tension in the crowd. It drives some people crazy, but I think it’s part of what makes the game great.” – Brian Windhorst [31:04]

10. Closing: The Season Ahead, Podcast Excitement, Locker Room Banter

[31:48-32:56]

• Brian encourages listeners to check out Larry’s new podcast and predicts it will appeal both to NBA and soccer fans.
• Larry is excited for the light-hearted, fun stories that will come from “Switch the Play.”
• Banter about Brian’s “Cavs fandom” and jokes about him in a Cavs dancer uniform close out the main content.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Quote | Speaker | |---|---|---| | 02:41 | “If I could take my talent from basketball and put it in another sport, I’d do it for soccer in a heartbeat.” | Larry Nance Jr. | | 05:53 | “I like being employed… I’ve always found one of the parts of my job that I enjoy the most is investing into the program, the organization, the community that I’m part of.” | Larry Nance Jr. | | 11:13 | “You really have to guard me from out there. So it’ll be a new look for [coach Kenny] to toy with.” | Larry Nance Jr. | | 14:45 | “…this team has paid their dues… I can help with playoff versatility… with spacing the court…” | Larry Nance Jr. | | 18:10 | “With that comes some investment in guys… just being the old vet, showing them how to maintain professionalism and last in the league for a decade.” | Larry Nance Jr. | | 22:23 | “This podcast is about exploring the parallels between the two games and how NBA players found love with a different sport.” | Larry Nance Jr. | | 29:22 | “Their fan culture is tribal about their teams… If you’re one of us, you’re one of us and we got your back…” | Larry Nance Jr. | | 31:04 | “You can feel the tension in the crowd. It drives some people crazy, but I think it’s part of what makes the game great.” | Brian Windhorst |

Important Segment Timestamps

• [01:01] – Larry’s Leeds United euphoria and ownership experience
• [05:32] – Larry explains his free agency experience
• [11:13] – Larry on evolving his shooting and fit with the Cavs
• [13:33] – The “butterfly effect” of Cavs trades leading to current roster
• [14:45] – What the Cavs need to get over the playoff hump
• [18:10] – Larry’s role as locker room vet
• [22:23] – Announcement and premise of “Switch the Play” podcast
• [25:34] – The path to becoming a minority owner in Leeds United

Tone & Style

The episode is conversational, celebratory, and reflective, balancing humor and deep NBA insight with genuine soccer fandom.

Summary Takeaways

• Larry Nance Jr. is uniquely positioned as a passionate soccer fan and NBA veteran, providing crossover insights for both sports.
• He’s excited to be back in Cleveland, believing the Cavs are poised for true finals contention if they stay healthy and embrace collective growth.
• “Switch the Play” promises a fresh perspective on how world football and basketball increasingly intersect culturally and personally among NBA players.
• The episode is punctuated by lighthearted banter, locker room jokes, and a contagious sense of excitement for the upcoming seasons—both on the court and pitch.

End of Summary