Cavs' Nance hopes NBA accounts for players with preexisting conditions

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Cleveland Cavaliers forward Larry Nance hopes the NBA is considerate of its players who feel uneasy about a potential return to play this season.

"I would hope there would be an understanding (from the league) if someone didn't feel comfortable coming back, that'd you get a pass," Nance said, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst. "Just because you may look like the picture of health, some people have issues you can't see."

Nance has Crohn's disease, and it's well-known that those with preexisting health conditions are more vulnerable to COVID-19.

The sporting world seemingly came to a complete halt on March 11 when it was revealed Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for the coronavirus. The Cavaliers played the Jazz earlier in the month and were among multiple teams advised to undergo self-quarantine.

Nance said he was "absolutely terrified" by the incident and considered sitting out Cleveland's upcoming road trip before the NBA suspended the season.

Though the 6-foot-7 forward is no longer as fearful about the virus, he's still bothered by the possibility of contracting it.

"We're young and you know the kind of shape players are in, you'd like to think (the virus) wouldn't be what it could be for others. But you don't know," Nance said. "I'm still scared and don't want to get it."