Skip to content

Experience with LeBron earns Varejao a starting spot

Ken Blaze / USA Today Sports

Cleveland Cavaliers head coach David Blatt made his decision on Friday: Anderson Varejao will start at center over Tristan Thompson.

The decision was partly due to Varejao's experience playing alongside LeBron James. The two were teammates in Cleveland from 2004-2010.

“Yeah, it was easy. It’s like riding a bike for me and (Anderson Varejao),” LeBron James told reporters after the Cleveland Cavaliers practiced on Friday. "Andy is a veteran, he’s been a part of big games and knows what’s going on at all times. I think his seniority gives him the nod."

Blatt echoed similar sentiments. “That was more or less the idea of beginning with Andy, just because those two guys are so good together," Blatt said.

Varejao averaged 8.4 points and 9.7 rebounds per game last season.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox