Varejao working way back
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Branson Wright
Plain Dealer Reporter
The Cavaliers have not set a specific date on the return of forward Anderson Varejao but the time is near. Although limited, Varejao practiced for the second straight day and the anticipation on his comeback is growing.
"Anderson is getting healthier and healthier, and this team will be very good when he comes back," Cavs forward LeBron James said.
"Adding any one to the mix who was in jured will make this team bet ter," guard Eric Snow said. "But Anderson's of fensive rebounding, defense and overall talent [bring] a great deal to the team. We all saw what he did for us last year and hopefully he'll do the same this year. He'll be a great addition."
Varejao, who averaged 4.9 points and 4.8 rebounds in 54 games last year, has been out all season. He dislocated his right shoulder last summer during a game at the Americas World Championships qualifying game in the Dominican Republic. The Brazil native was injured when someone ran into him from behind and knocked him to the court. Arthroscopic surgery was performed at the Cleveland Clinic in September.
"I was scared when I got hurt, and you never know after surgery," Varejao said. "Now, I'm OK. I had some contract during practice, and my shoulder feels good."
Varejao is antsy after only two days of practice.
"I'm so excited to be back," said Varejao, a 6-10 power forward and center. "I'm feeling good in practice. I just need to get more confidence in my shoulder. I practiced and I feel good and I hope to come back soon and help the team. Defense and rebounding is my game."
Before his injury, Varejao worked on improving his game. But the biggest improvement has been his English.
Varejao, who speaks Portuguese, said time spent with an English tutor will also help him on the court.
"I understand English better," Varejao said. "Knowing the language is very important because you can learn the plays faster and I can communicate on the floor better with my teammates. When you're playing before a big crowd with all of that noise, you need to be able to understand your teammates and what plays coach is yelling out to you."
Center Zydrunas Ilgauskas was drafted by the Cavs out of Lithuania in 1996. Ilgauskas has overcome the language barrier. He said the ability to communicate with teammates on and off the court is paramount.
"Being able to communicate on and off the court will make Anderson feel more comfortable," Ilgauskas said. "Speaking English makes you feel more comfortable and it lessens being homesick. I see the difference [in Varejao's progress]. He understands everything now. You don't have to spend so much time explaining. That will certainly help him during practices and games."
Draft:
The Milwaukee Bucks drafted Snow in the second round of the 1995 NBA Draft. The Bucks traded Snow's rights to Seattle. Snow was initially disappointed when he couldn't play for the Bucks. It would have teamed Snow with his college backcourt mate in shooting guard Shawn Respert.
"We thought we were going to still be able to play together," Snow said. "That didn't last long because the Bucks drafted me for Seattle. Shawn was drafted in the first round [by Portland] and his rights were traded to Milwaukee. We didn't even get a chance to talk and dream before the trade because cell phones weren't big back then."
To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:
bwright@plaind.com, 216-999-6136