OAKLAND — Anderson Varejao says the Cleveland Cavaliers have offered him an NBA championship ring, but the Brazilian center said he’s concentrating on winning one for himself with the Warriors.
“They did offer me a ring,” said Varejao, who played the first 11-plus seasons of his career in Cleveland before joining the Warriors in February. “I haven’t made my decision yet, I’m not sure what’s going to happen.
“I really haven’t put much thought into it. I’m focusing on this season.”
Varejao, who turns 34 later this week, skipped the Rio Olympics because of back issues. He said he didn’t want to “complicate” things and need surgery. He avoided that and said he feels pretty good right now.
Facing his old team in the NBA Finals was difficult, Varejao said. “There were a lot of emotions running through my head,” he said.
This season, being with the Warriors from the start of training camp, should be smoother.
“I’m excited for this season. I think it’s going to be a lot better for me,” Varejao said. “Last year I got here and the team couldn’t lose a game. It was one of those things I just have to fit in and not try anything crazy, which I would never do.
“It was a delicate situation. Starting the season with the team and learning the system from the beginning is going to be much better for me to know my role — set screens and play defense.”
Even while he was home in Brazil during the summer, Varejao said expectations for the Warriors are soaring. He said the players understand a championship is not a given.
“We’re going to work hard every day,” he said. “Doing that I’m pretty sure we can do something special.”
