Anderson Varejao is currently representing Brazil at the FIBA World Cup in China. The versatile big guy helped his team to defeat New Zealand, Greece and Montenegro, and in four contests, he averaged nine points on 45.9 percent shooting from the floor along with 6.8 rebounds per game.
Although many think that Varejao’s playing days in the NBA are over, the Brazilian could get another chance. His downfall started late in 2014 when he ruptured his Achilles tendon. Varejao played for the Cleveland Cavaliers at the time and played very well alongside LeBron James, who returned to Cleveland that season. However, Varejao was traded the following year to the Portland Trail Blazers and was immediately waived, allowing him to sign with the Golden State Warriors.
Interestingly, the Cavs won their first NBA championship that year, which was rather unlucky for Varejao, who spent 12 years in Cleveland.
He returned to Brazil and currently is playing for Flamengo, but Varejao is not dismissing a potential return to the NBA and Cleveland.
“I am focused on the World Cup, and trying to do my best with Brazil, and trying to help Brazil accomplish something big, but it wouldn’t be bad to come back to Cleveland,” Varejao said with a smile in an interview with The Athletic.
Anderson Varejao still owns and lives in a house near me in suburban Cleveland. He wants back in the NBA. Playing well for Brazil against Team USA would be a good start @TheAthleticNBA https://t.co/pgsfFNx3TE
— Joe Vardon (@joevardon) September 8, 2019
At the moment, it looks unlikely this reunion would happen as the Cavaliers haven’t formally expressed interest in bringing back Varejao. Cleveland’s roster is full of youngsters, including three rookies while their leading veterans include Kevin Love, Tristan Thompson and Matthew Dellavedova. They are not very strong below the rim and could be interested in bringing Varejao back for one season.
