Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsMonday, June 22, 2026

Anderson Varejao could be activated for the NBA Finals, per report

Varejao hasn’t played since suffering an Achilles injury, but he will be brought to the NBA Finals just in case an emergency situation calls for him.

SB Nation's 2015 NBA Finals Guide

Cavaliers center Anderson Varejao could be activated for the NBA Finals in case of emergency, reports ESPN's Brian Windhorst.

Varejao suffered a torn Achilles tendon on Dec. 23 in a matchup against the Timberwolves. He underwent surgery and was ruled out for the season. Five months later, he could return to action, though only if things go very bad for Cleveland.

The timeline to return from an injury like Varejao's is typically longer than that. It took Kobe Bryant nine months to get back on the court after his Achilles tear, for example. Rushing back would not be wise for a player who has struggled staying healthy for the past few years like the Brazilian center, but it appears to be a possibility.

The Cavaliers are thin up front since Kevin Love suffered a shoulder injury that will have him out for the year. Timofey Mozgov and Tristan Thompson are taking most of the minutes at center. Kendrick Perkins and Brendan Haywood are on the roster but the two veterans are not in the rotation. If one more big man suffers an injury, Varejao could be activated, although he won't likely get many minutes.

Before his injury, Varejao was averaging 10 points and six rebounds in 24 minutes for Cleveland.

See More:

More in NBA

NBA
NBA Draft’s 60 best players in 2026 class, rankedNBA Draft’s 60 best players in 2026 class, ranked
NBA

Let’s rank the 60 best players in the 2026 NBA Draft.

By Ricky O'Donnell
Men's College Basketball
Dallas Mavericks instant grade for Dusty May’s stunning hire as team’s next head coachDallas Mavericks instant grade for Dusty May’s stunning hire as team’s next head coach
Men's College Basketball

Let’s grade the Mavs’ decision to hire Dusty May away from Michigan.

By Ricky O'Donnell
NBA
Giannis trade rumors: 2 teams still in mix after Celtics include Jaylen Brown in offerGiannis trade rumors: 2 teams still in mix after Celtics include Jaylen Brown in offer
NBA

A Giannis trade is reportedly coming before the draft, and there’s two teams left.

By Ricky O'Donnell
NBA
We didn’t get to the Knicks parade, but this father already got a better celebrationWe didn’t get to the Knicks parade, but this father already got a better celebration
NBA

On the Knicks parade, fatherhood, sports fandom, and the war on attention spans

By Abe Beame
NBA
NBA mock draft 2026: Big changes to lottery on the brink of first-roundNBA mock draft 2026: Big changes to lottery on the brink of first-round
NBA

Here’s an updated NBA mock draft ahead of Tuesday’s first round.

By Ricky O'Donnell
NBA
Zohran Mamdani gave a legendary sports speech at the Knicks rallyZohran Mamdani gave a legendary sports speech at the Knicks rally