Cavaliers honor former center Anderson Varejao and welcome him back into fold

CLEVELAND — Cleveland has always felt like home to former Cavaliers forward Anderson Varejao.

Recently named player development consultant and global ambassador for the team, the Brazilian native recounted the moment he felt at home here.

His Cleveland career began with a couple of preseason games on the road, he said Saturday at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. When he played his first game at home, fans already knew who he was and welcomed him.

“I got to Cleveland and before I knew it the fans were cheering for me and asking coach [Paul] Silas to put me in,” Varejao said.

He marveled at the fact the fans didn’t know anything about him at that point and they were already doing that.

“So right there I knew my time in Cleveland was going to be special,” he said, “and it was an easy decision for me to be back with the organization and continue to help continue to give back to the franchise that gave me a lot.”

Judging from the team’s recognition of Varejao, affectionately nicknamed “Wild Thing” because of the way he played the game with unbridled hustle and passion, the feeling is mutual.

Cavs take Anderson Varejao down memory lane

With Cavs greats Austin Carr, Mark Price, Brad Daugherty and Larry Nance Sr. along with former teammates Daniel Gibson and Ira Newble on hand, the team honored Varejao with two videos and words from friends, teammates and family. The current team delivered a 114-102 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, who were playing without forwards Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton.

It gave Varejao the opportunity to thank an appreciative Northeast Ohio crowd and, just as importantly, it provided a chance for former teammates such as Anthony Parker to thank him.

“He made you want to do the stuff that makes teams win,” Parker said in tribute.

The long and winding road for Anderson Varejao

It seemed a fitting tribute for two sides that can’t seem to quit one another. Varejao spent 13 seasons with the Cavs before being traded during their championship season in the deal that brought Channing Frye to the Cavs. He was sent to the Portland Trail Blazers, waived and eventually signed with the Golden State Warriors, with whom he faced his former team in the 2016 NBA Finals. The Cavs won that series and the NBA title, becoming the only team in league history to overcome a 3-1 deficit.

Varejao left the NBA after the 2016-17 season and played two years overseas before Cavs general manager Koby Altman signed him for the final five games of the 2020-21 season. Now the team and Varejao take the next logical step. He said there had been talks since he retired about joining the organization.

He said he wants to build on the Cavs brand here and beyond, including in his homeland.

“Using the Cavalier brand, which is such a strong name, such a strong organization, I'm sure we can do great things in Brazil, but the most important thing is to be impactful, meaningful, and really help the way we should," Varejao said. "And this is part of my plans, and I hope I can deliver.”

Anderson Varejao looks to help NBA players grow

Perhaps the most important aspect of his role is helping current Cavs players grow as players and people. A litany of individuals — Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Anthony Parker, Ben Wallace and his older brother Sandro among others — rolled off his tongue as those who helped him develop as a pro. He recognizes that the current Cavs players, who he considers a special group, could be receptive to his knowledge.

“It's very important because you can share a little bit of your experience, everything that you went through," Varejao said. "There are things that are about to happen, but because you were around for so long, you see it before it happens. And you can help those younger guys and sometimes they think they know. I did. I think I knew everything when I was young and I had people around me that made sure they told me, ‘No, you don't know.’”

Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff appreciates what Anderson Varejao brings

Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff understands what the former standout could bring in his new role. Known for his high motor and tenacious hustle, Varejao certainly earned the nickname “Wild Thing.”

“He embodies what we hope our team aims to be — just the spirit that he plays with the way that fans embrace him, the energy, the work ethic,” Bickerstaff said. “It was never easy for him and he had to outwork everybody every single night. And it's great for him to be around our guys so our guys can see that and feel that as well.”

Varejao said he learned something valuable in his professional career, and it’s how he wants to be remembered.

“I think the only thing you can control when you go into a game is how hard you're going to play,” he said, “how you got to just give 100%. And I did that. So just remember me as a guy that worked hard and came from nothing basically and made it to the best basketball in the world, and I was blessed to spend 14 seasons in this league.”

Reach George M. Thomas at gthomas@thebeaconjournal.com

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Anderson Varejao thanks Cavs fans for years of appreciation