Varejao Returns To Practice

[Karma]

Varejao tests shoulder at practice​

Cavaliers power forward could be available to play in games in a week or so

By Brian Windhorst
Beacon Journal sportswriter

CLEVELAND - It wasn't much of a practice, but it meant the world to Anderson Varejao.

The Cavaliers' second-year power forward took part in his first full-contact workout since he dislocated his right shoulder in August. It wasn't a full-team workout Monday -- most players just took some shots and lifted weights -- but it was a big step for Varejao, who played 3-on-3 and got physical with teammates.

He'll take part in a full-go workout today before the Cavs fly to Milwaukee for Wednesday's game against the Bucks and could be available to play in games in a week or so.

``I'm getting more and more confidence in the shoulder,'' Varejao said. ``I'm excited to come back and play.''

Varejao underwent a complex surgery to fix the injury in September, and the Cavs ruled him out indefinitely. When training camp started in October, they hoped that he'd be back by the All-Star break next month. But he has worked hard and has been ahead of that schedule the whole way.

``It was the first opportunity for him to bang and get in the mix,'' Cavs coach Mike Brown said. ``I'm anxious to see him get going. He's got a lively body.''

Varejao won over fans with his energetic play as a rookie, especially rebounding. He averaged 4.9 points and 4.8 rebounds in 54 games last season. How much he plays and where he fits in the lineup will be determined by the health of the shoulder and how well he plays defense in Brown's system.

``He's still got to prove he can earn the minutes,'' Brown said. ``That starts in practice.''

Brian Windhorst

 

[Karma]

Also for anyone that cares, Sasha Pavlovic returned to practice on Monday from his sprained ankle.

 

[ootbttnlagitnbasf]

glad to see that av is ahead of schedule. he's the only cav with hair to strike fear into our opponents.

 

[Kypus]

His return is going to be huge- I just hope and pray that shoulder is at least 85% healed so he can get out there and do his energy role. If it is, Mike Brown is going to love him and will be heavily leaning on him within a month.

His positional defense and rotation isn't the greatest, but his speed will demand the opponents' attention. His infusion of energy will bring out everyone's defensive talents, especially Newble and Hughes. This is a great Christmas present, a completely revamped 2nd unit. :wiggle: :woohoo: :spin: :wiggle: :woohoo: :spin:

 

[PIP]

Also for anyone that cares, Sasha Pavlovic returned to practice on Monday from his sprained ankle.

Nope, don't care..

 

[NarlCavs]

I'm also glad to see Sasha back at practice too. Unfortunately it doesn't mean much to the Cavs since he won't get an opportunity to play. I still don't think either we or the Cavs have any real idea what we have in either Luke or Sasha since neither has ever been given a fair chance over a long period to get any type of consistent minutes. It's easy to bash both but I don't know how the hell either can develop or get better when they only get an occasional 3 or 4 minute stretch in games on an inconsistent basis.

 

[Pioneer10]

I'm also glad to see Sasha back at practice too. Unfortunately it doesn't mean much to the Cavs since he won't get an opportunity to play. I still don't think either we or the Cavs have any real idea what we have in either Luke or Sasha since neither has ever been given a fair chance over a long period to get any type of consistent minutes. It's easy to bash both but I don't know how the hell either can develop or get better when they only get an occasional 3 or 4 minute stretch in games on an inconsistent basis.

Yep: one or both may well turn into productive NBA players when actually given some time.

 

[Karma]

It shall be interesting to see who makes way for Varejao and Pavlovic. You'd think Hamilton will definately make way for Anderson, but for Sasha it is between Wilks and Jackson. Moving Jackson back makes more sense balance wise as Wilks has a role in certain situations. However Sasha might also find it tough to crack the 12 man squad.

 

[hughes1988]

im a sasha fan, he showed last season that he could shoot the three and past pretty good, but he could get better on defence before he sees anytime, but i believe we could put him in a trade or trade him by himself and get someone decent...

 

[aggressivestyle]

Sasha did really good on kobe when he started last season... i thought after that he would be addicted to defense but unfortunely he didn't.

 

[Maximus]

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