CLEVELAND – Anderson Varejao’s season has ended, dealing a major blow to the Cavs’ NBA title hopes.
Cleveland’s starting centre tore his left Achilles tendon on Wednesday night in a win over Minnesota, a person familiar with the injury told the Associated Press on Wednesday.
An MRI confirmed the tear, said the person who spoke on condition of anonymity because the team has not released information on the injury.
The 6-foot-11 Varejao, one of the team’s most popular players, was positioning under the basket for a rebound in the third quarter when he crumpled to the floor in pain. All of Cleveland’s players and coaches came over to check on him before he was assisted off the floor without putting any weight on his leg. He left Quicken Loans Arena following the game on crutches with his leg in an immobilizing air cast.
The Cavs are travelling to Miami for a Christmas Day game against the Heat, the first regular-season matchup between LeBron James and the superstar’s former team.
With Varejao out, Tristan Thompson will likely move into a starting role and the Cavs will sharpen their pursuit of another big man. The Cavs had been looking for a rim-protecting centre and have had trade discussions with several teams. Reserves Brendan Haywood and Lou Amundson could also get more playing time as first-year coach looks for ways to compensate for the loss of Varejao.
Varejao, who signed a three-year, $30 million contract extension in October, averaged 9.8 points and 6.5 rebounds in 26 starts. But beyond his stats, Varejao also contributes with his endless hustle and positive attitude. He’s one of James’ favourite teammates and the 11-year veteran has endeared himself to Cleveland fans with his energy and effort.
Varejao has averaged 7.9 points and 7.8 rebounds in his career.
During the preseason, the Cavs went to Varejao’s native Brazil to play an exhibition against the Heat. Varejao was greeted as a national hero in his homeland and said the trip was one of the highlights of his career.
Source:: Metro News
