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Anderson Varejao could be activated for NBA Finals if Cavaliers need him

By Kyle Franzoni

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With the NBA Finals around the corner, the Cleveland Cavaliers received some good news in regards to the health of Anderson Varejao.

The 2015 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers promises to be an entertaining match-up to say the least. With just days to go before tip-off, both teams will be looking for a way to get an edge or account for any possible bump in the road along the way to the title.

Enter the picture Anderson Varejao.

The Cavaliers center suffered a torn achilles tendon on December 23rd and was pronounced done for the season the following day.  However, the latest reports out of Cleveland are that he could be available to suit up if the Cavaliers get into a situation where they absolutely need a healthy body, according to Barry Windhorst of ESPN.

That could be good news for a Cavaliers team that has been going with a combination of Tristan Thompson and Timofey Mosgov in the pivot during the NBA Playoffs. The pair are contributing a combined 18.5 points and 17.1 rebounds per game, which has been excellent production from the tandem. Additionally, the team has Kendrick Perkins available off the bench should the need suffice. With that said, the need for Varejao to rush back for the NBA Finals doesn’t seem like a necessity, even with the team down Kevin Love.

An 11-year veteran, all with the Cavaliers, Varejao has been the one constant over the years in Cleveland and perhaps more deserving of a ring than any player on the roster. The 32-year-old has averaged 7.9 points and 7.8 rebounds in 560 games. He enjoyed his two best seasons over the course of the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 seasons, when he averaged a combined 12.5 points, 13 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game.

On the flip side of the coin, the Golden State Warriors are dealing with their own injuries. Most notably, guard Klay Thompson is going through concussion protocol and while he is progressing, his status for Game 1 is still unknown at this time. However, the team is expected to get center Mareese Speights back, who missed the entire Rockets’ series with a strained calf muscle.

The NBA Finals get underway on Thursday, June 4th with the Golden State Warriors having home court advantage. Tip-off is at 9:00pm Eastern Standard Time and the game will be broadcast on ABC.

(h/t Sports Illustrated)

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