Photo Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Congrats! Anderson Varejao Is An NBA Champion At Last

After being traded by the Cleveland Cavaliers, who ended up becoming NBA Champions later that season, Varejao was immediately waived by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2015-2016 season. He then joined the 73-win Warriors, who ended up losing to Varejao’s former team. The Brazilian big man would have been eligible to name himself NBA Champion, because he did play for the Cavs in their Championship winning season, but Varejao declined a ring offer early. It didn’t feel right to him. Even after 11 years with the Cavs, he did play against them in the Finals and lost. This past season was a different story, the Golden State Warriors won the title but they cut Varejao from the team in February.

The Warriors did offer Varejao a ring though. He has accepted that ring via Facebook yesterday, and now is eligible to call himself an NBA champion.

My Portuguese is a bit rusty, but that is what he said:

“I’m here to share with you something that happened two weeks ago. I got a call from Golden State and they told me that there was a vote between the players and the coaching staff, and they decided that it would be well deserved that I receive the a ring for the time I spent with them. This recognition, their affection, makes me proud and honored. I will accept this ring, which represents much more than a title to me. It represents our history together, every moment I spent with them. I would like to thank everyone, the franchise, the players, the coaches, the fans, and all those who accompanied me on a daily basis, through affection and positive thoughts. A good season to all of the Warriors and thanks!”

https://www.facebook.com/AndersonVarejao/videos/888761754615273/

Congrats Andy, you deserve it!