Larry Nance Jr. to Go to Cavs Facilities After Reopening Despite Crohn's Disease

When the Cleveland Cavaliers reopen their practice facility Friday, Larry Nance Jr. will be there to take part in voluntary workouts despite being immunocompromised. 

Nance told Marc Stein of the New York Times of his intention to return to the Cavs' facilities. 

Stein noted that Nance takes an immunosuppressive medication to treat Crohn's disease that can make him more vulnerable to infections. 

Per Jeff Zillgitt and Mark Medina of USA Today, the Cavs, Portland Trail Blazers, Denver Nuggets "and maybe another team or two" are planning to open their facilities Friday. 

The move comes as some states have started to relax restrictions that have been put in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In a memo obtained by Zillgitt that was issued by the NBA to all 30 teams last month, there will be strict safety precautions in place that teams must follow. 

Per the memo, no more than four players are allowed in a facility at a time, everyone must stay at least 12 feet apart, and two players can't shoot at the same basket. 

Nance was diagnosed with Crohn's disease, which can cause inflammation of the digestive tract, at the age of 16. The Ohio native is in his fifth NBA season after being drafted No. 27 overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2015 out of Wyoming. The 6'7" forward has been averaging a career-best 10.1 points and 7.3 rebounds.

There remains no timetable for the NBA to resume its season. Play has been suspended since March 11 because of the pandemic.