The Cavaliers have hired former center Anderson Varejao as a player development consultant as well as a global ambassador, the team announced today in a press release. Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com was first was the story.
“Andy embodies all that the city of Cleveland stands for and beyond, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring his experience, leadership and character back into the Cleveland Cavaliers family,” president of basketball operations Koby Altman said in a statement. “His infectious work ethic and commitment to our community have earned him his rightful place in the fabric of this organization and all of Northeast Ohio, and his impact on the game internationally will benefit our global outreach. We are thrilled to welcome Andy and his family back full time to the Cavaliers.”
A second-round pick in the 2004 draft, Varejao spent the majority of his 14-year NBA career in Cleveland, appearing in 596 games for the club and putting up averages of 7.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per contest. He became a fan favorite for his energy and hustle and was a key part of the Cavs’ rotation during LeBron James‘ first go-round with the franchise, earning an All-Defensive nod in 2010.
Unfortunately, Varejao was traded by Cleveland in 2016 and was a member of the Warriors when Cleveland beat Golden State to win its lone title during either of LeBron’s stints with the club. After being out of the NBA for a few years, he signed with the Cavs near the end of the 2020-21 season to finish his playing career.
As Fedor writes, since his retirement, Varejao has made occasional visits to the Cavaliers’ practice facility and helped out in an informal capacity, but he’ll now have an official full-time role with the team.
In his new position, Varejao will assist the organization’s efforts to grow its brand globally, including in Latin America and his home country of Brazil. He’ll also work with coaches, players, and front office members during the season in “varying on-court development roles,” per the team.
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