CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers are bringing back a familiar face. On Friday, the team announced that it has hired former center Anderson Varejao as a Player Development Consultant and Global Ambassador.
"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,” Cavs President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman said in a release. “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 fulltime to the Cavaliers.”
According to a release, the 40-year-old Varejao "will engage with coaches, front office and Cavaliers players in varying on-court development roles during the season, as well as travel internationally for both basketball and corporate activities" in his new role. He will also assist the franchise in its efforts to grow the game of basketball globally, including in Latin America.
Varejao will be honored by the Cavs with a special presentation and video tribute at halftime of their game against the Milwaukee Bucks game on Saturday, January 21st.
“I am thrilled and honored once again to be a formal part of the Cavaliers family,” Varejao said. “This is a unique opportunity to start a new chapter of my life with the team I love and in the city I love. I want to thank Dan Gilbert, Koby and [Cavs CEO] Nic [Barlage] for welcoming me and my family back to Northeast Ohio with open arms. I am truly excited to be back here where it all started and contribute to growing the game of basketball in areas that hold a meaningful place in my heart.”
Originally selected by the Orlando Magic in the second round of the 2004 NBA Draft, the Brazil native was traded to Cleveland ahead of the start of his rookie season. During his first 12 seasons with the Cavs, Varejao averaged 7.6 points and 7.5 rebounds in 591 regular-season games and was considered a fan favorite thanks to his hard, defensive-minded play and ability to get under opponents' skin.
Nicknamed "Wild Thing" as a nod to both his curly hair and playing style, the 6-foot-11 center was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in 2016 and went on to spend parts of two seasons as a member of the Golden State Warriors, facing off against the Cavs in the 2016 NBA Finals. After spending two seasons playing professionally in Brazil, Varejao returned to Cleveland to play in five games with the Cavs during the end of the 2020-21 NBA season before retiring as a member of the franchise.