Anderson Varejao began his professional basketball career in Brazil with Franca Basquetebol Clube, where he showcased his skills as a center and power forward from 1998 to 2002. His impressive performance caught the attention of international scouts, leading to a pivotal move to FC Barcelona Basquet in 2002. During his two seasons in Spain, Varejao contributed significantly to the team’s success, helping them secure the EuroLeague title in 2003 and two Spanish League championships in 2003 and 2004.

In 2004, Varejao made his NBA debut with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he became a fan favorite and a key player for the franchise. Over his 12 seasons with the Cavaliers, he was known for his relentless energy, defensive prowess, and rebounding ability. Varejao earned NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors in 2010 and played a crucial role in the Cavaliers’ playoff runs, including their journey to the NBA Finals in 2007 and 2015.

After a brief stint with the Golden State Warriors in 2016-2017, Varejao returned to Brazil to play for Flamengo, where he won the Brazilian League championship in 2019. He later returned to the Cavaliers for a final season in 2021, solidifying his legacy as one of the franchise’s all-time greats.

Following his retirement, Varejao transitioned into an executive role with the Cavaliers as a Player Development Consultant and Global Ambassador. His journey reflects not only his talent on the court but also his commitment to the sport and its future generations.