Sixers Adding Pete Nance On Two-Way Deal, Look To Bolster Frontcourt

December 2, 2024

The Philadelphia 76ers have agreed to a two-way contract with forward Pete Nance, per a report from ESPN’s Tim Bontemps.

Nance, the younger brother of veteran Larry Nance Jr., joins a Sixers squad in need of frontcourt reinforcements, with both Joel Embiid and Andre Drummond sidelined due to injuries and personal reasons.

Nance is 6-foot-10 and has shown flashes of versatility during his time with the Cleveland Charge in the G League this season. In eight Showcase Cup games, he’s averaged 18.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.0 blocks, displaying an ability to impact the game in multiple ways.

Those numbers are promising, though his brief NBA stint last season with the Cavaliers didn’t offer much opportunity — logging just 3.4 minutes per game across eight appearances.

Nance went undrafted in 2023 after a solid collegiate career and spent most of last season in the G League. He earned a two-way deal with Cleveland in February, but the Cavs didn’t retain him heading into this season.

After participating in Cleveland’s training camp, Nance was waived in October, returning to the Charge to continue his development.

For the Sixers, this move is as much about necessity as potential. Embiid’s absence leaves a glaring hole in Philadelphia’s rotation, and while Drummond is a capable backup, his own health issues have compounded the problem.

Nance offers some short-term insurance and, perhaps, a long-term developmental prospect.

However, the Sixers will need to adjust their roster to accommodate Nance. NBA rules allow only three two-way players, so Philadelphia will have to release one of its current two-way contracts to make room.

As the Sixers continue navigating a tumultuous season, Nance represents a low-risk, high-upside addition to a team seeking depth and flexibility.

Whether he gets significant minutes or not remains to be seen, but for now, he’s earned another shot at sticking in the league.