Golden State Warriors Sign Brazilian Big Man, Anderson Varejao
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The Golden State Warriors signed former Cleveland Cavaliers forward/center Anderson Varejao to the NBA veteran’s minimum on Sunday, letting go of Jason Thompson.
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The Golden State Warriors are a team of no excuses. Despite being completely obliterated last Friday by the Portland Trailblazers, the team showed they had no problem regaining their composure, earning a win the following night over the Los Angeles Clippers. They improved to 49-5 Saturday evening, inching them that much closer to the 1996 Chicago Bulls regular season record of 72 wins.
And they pulled out that win in Los Angeles without their starting center, Andrew Bogut, who was last reported prior to the game suffering from a sore right Achilles tendon. Also missing from Golden State’s usual rotation was Festus Ezeli, who’s currently in the process of rehabbing his left knee following arthroscopic surgery.
No one can deny that the Warriors play much better with Draymond Green at center, which is who head coach Steve Kerr chose to start at center last Saturday.
By moving Harrison Barnes up to starting power forward and Brandon Rush to starting small forward, Kerr found a creative way to start the game small while maintaining stability in both their second unit and “Death Lineup.” Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston remained in their usual roles off the bench, with Iguodala coming in late to help put the game away.
But if Green is to start at center for a while, Marreese Speights — despite the number of solid performances he’s had in the new year — cannot be relied upon to play heavy minutes at backup center. That’s where former Cleveland Cavaliers player, Anderson Varejao, comes into the fold.
Per multiple news outlets, the 6-foot-10-inch forward/center agreed to a deal with the reigning NBA champions on Sunday after clearing waivers. He’s expected to be signed to the veteran’s minimum.
Varejao, 33, appeared in 31 games this season for the Cavs, averaging 2.6 points and 2.9 rebounds in 10 minutes per game. After playing his entire 12-year career in Cleveland, the team was unfortunately forced to cut ties with the Brazilian big man to make room for Channing Frye.
Varejao was dealt to the Portland Trailblazers in a three-team trade a few moments prior to the NBA trade deadline last Thursday, then subsequently waived. Varejao had just about $14 million still left on his two-year contract.
"“Although it was hard to be traded, I have no hard feelings,” said Varejao via a text message to Cleveland.com. “I’m grateful to (Cleveland owner) Dan Gilbert and the Cavs organization for 12 amazing years. I know I’m very fortunate. I’m leaving one great team and joining another. I can’t wait to put on my new Warrior jersey!”"
Following the news of his deal with the Dubs, Varejao proceeded to change his Facebook header picture to one that includes the Golden State Warriors logo, and also left the following message in both English and Portuguese on his official Facebook profile and Instagram profile:
"“Golden State Fans, excited for the opportunity do join you! Honored to join a great organization and I promise to give you my very best to contribute in every way I can! #18”"
To make room for Varejao, the Warriors were forced to cut ties with one of their players, that player being Jason Thompson. The 29-year-old, 6-foot-11-inch power forward averaged 2.1 points and 1.9 rebounds in just 28 games played for Golden State.
Long story short, Thompson just never found his niche after being acquired in a trade involving Gerald Wallace, whom the Boston Celtics had formerly sent over to Golden State for David Lee. Thompson’s contract could be paid in full, or the team could use the stretch provision to relieve his cap hit.
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No one knows how long Bogut or Ezeli could be out, though Bogut did tell San Jose Mercury News that he’d “try to work out again in a day or two” following Saturday’s win in LA. Ezeli will be out at least until the end of March, as he is expected to be re-evaluated on March 21.
With those two out, along with James Michael McAdoo (sprained toe), Varejao’s presence gives the Warriors a much-needed defender in the frontcourt. Speights, whose talents are primarily on the offensive side, will likely be utilized more as a situational substitution following the addition of Varejao. The Varejao signing also greatly affects the chances of Kevon Looney seeing a significant increase in minutes played.
Varejao has career averages of 7.6 points and 7.5 rebounds. He’s notably played 71 NBA playoff games, missing all of last postseason due to a torn left Achilles.
Prior to him signing with Golden State, there were multiple reports that the San Antonio Spurs had been interested in Varejao’s services.