By Antigoni Zachari / info@eurohoops.net
The latest edition of FIBA Intercontinental Cup (after its re-launch in 2013) will connect fans from all over the world in one star-like event. And when it comes to stars, Flamengo’s Anderson Varejao can live up to this acclaim.
Older readers may remember the exuberant Brazilian big man from his two-year stint in Barcelona back in 2002, which was sealed by a EuroLeague trophy in 2013. Since then, Varejao’s career elevated, bringing joy to Brazilian fans.
The beginning
For the now 36-year-old player, it all started over two decades ago, when he began his professional career in Sao Paolo’s Franca. During his time there, he was noticed by Barcelona’s well-trained coaching stuff and his landing in Europe followed when he turned 20.
Back then, Barcelona was at its full glory, slowly rising in European territory, and the Brazilian sensation had the chance to grow next to Euro-legends like Dejan Bodiroga, before using his valuable experience and the EuroLeague All-Star honor on an even bigger stage than EuroLeague: that of the NBA.
Long-term presence in Cleveland and a ring gone… M.I.A.
The year is 2004 and Varejao gets selected with the 30th pick in the second round of the NBA draft by Orlando Magic. In July of this year, he steps foot in Cleveland, where he was meant to stay until 2016.
One would expect that after spending eleven and a half seasons with one team, the relations with its staff and board would be a least on a decent level. That’s just not the case for Varejao, who seems to have distanced himself following his departure from the Cavs and a small appearance in Portland.
Fun fact is that the Brazilian big man is still theoretically eligible to receive his 2015-16 season ring (as Cavs beat the Warriors in the finals that year), though back then he expressed no desire to receive his. Weird or not, it makes sense, in the light that a) he didn’t help the Cavs in the finals and b) his departure from the team was followed by a “bad” trade. Varejao didn’t choose not to continue in Cleveland, he was suddenly traded to Portland in a deal that also included Channing Frye. Certainly not the ending you would expect after dedicating a good amount of time with a team.
Oakland and his friendship with Klay Thompson
Following his eleven seasons spent with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the trade to Trail Blazers, Varejao was free to move on with Golden State Warriors, where his destiny was to become close friends with superstar Klay Thompson. His time in Oakland was rather short, as he was signed by Golden State in February 2016 and was then cut by their front office in February 2017.
Prior to his cutting, the friendship between the two men grew fast, and while there’s not much public ‘evidence’, it’s been said that the Brazilian big man was Thompson’s closest friend on the team. Thompson and Varejao were on the road buddies, sharing a room and quality time in games away from home.
Despite Thompson’s whole internet “cult: persona, it was really endearing how he was deeply affected by his friend’s departure, and it was just then when everyone on the team noticed how connected these two were.
Varejao’s time in Oakland may not be remembered so much for basketball, though it is a great indicator of how his qualities that exceed the four lines of the court. The Brazilian himself seemed to really fit into Klay’s mentality and even used to give him pre-game advice, as the latter admits.
Life with the Brazilian NT
Varejao belongs in a generation of Brazilian basketball that truly dominated the continent in the early 00s, while also left an impact in worldwide events like the FIBA World Cup. Next to Tiago Splitter, Marcelinho Huertas, and more along the years, the Flamengo star has acquired five medals (four gold and a silver) with a national team that’s been on the spotlight for many years.
His explosive temper and passion for the game wearing his home country’s jersey have always been a matter of discussion, while many have called him out for his merciless way of playing. To be more precise, who can forget the unintentional, yet painful play against Nikos Zisis in the 2006 FIBA World Cup. Varejao surely didn’t forget, and had the chance to apologize to the Greek guard several years after in a friendly game played between the two nations, with the latter accepting Varejao’s sincere apology.
Back in Brazil
So how does one move forward after spending nearly 15 years playing at the highest level? This season the Brazilian star chose to go back to his roots by joining Flamengo in Rio De Janeiro.
For those who are not familiar with South American basketball, Flamengo could be kind of compared to European powerhouse CSKA Moscow. While the analogy may not be exactly fitting, how else can we describe a team that’s constantly on the spotlight in the local league, with several championships in its history?
In Flamengo, Varejao has a starring role. With 10 points, 6.6 rebounds in 19 games on average this season, it looks like he’s found the best place to settle after a long and prominent career. While it’s still unclear whether this will be his last season or not, it will be hard to see him make his return in the NBA or even the EuroLeague. Although, never say never…
Flamengo is no stranger to the FIBA Intercontinental Cup, having won the 2014 title. With Varejao’s sparkle leading the way, the Brazilian team hopes to rise again. What can happen remains to be seen, when the big event tips off on February 15 in Rio De Janeiro!