A forward from Clemson University, Nance played 14 seasons (1981–1994) in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Phoenix Suns and Cleveland Cavaliers.

Always among the highest in field goal percentage, Nance was an excellent mid-range shooter as well as a talented inside player.

Nance's stint in Phoenix came to an end on February 25, 1988, when, with the Suns struggling to a 16–35 mark, he was traded with Mike Sanders and Detroit's No.

[2] The trade worked out for both teams, as Nance proved to be the missing piece Cleveland needed to contend for a title in the East, while at the same time playing the role of frontcourt post partner to center Brad Daugherty before a series of back injuries forced Daugherty to retire.

[6] Nance owns a 1967 "Catch 22" Camaro NHRA drag racer, which his team races on weekends.