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Reunited with LeBron, Anderson Varejao is 'looking forward to staying healthy forever'

John Gress / Reuters

The only player remaining on the Cleveland Cavaliers roster from when LeBron James was last there in 2009-10 is Anderson Varejao, who hasn't exactly enjoyed the past four seasons, it would seem.

Since James's departure, not only has the Brazilian center been left to play on sub-par team after sub-par team, but he's dealt with myriad injury issues. He's not expecting that to be the case this coming season, though, when he reunites with James.

Varejao, in Spain for the FIBA World Cup, told ESPN this week that the past few seasons have been tough, but he's where he needs to be for the coming season:

"I’ve enjoyed it. I’ve had some tough years in Cleveland with injuries and going through a rebuilding process. It’s never fun. But I’m happy right now. I’m healthy and that’s who I want to be....

"The only thing that players worry about is getting injuries. It was tough for me but now I’m fine, I’m 100 percent, and looking forward to staying healthy forever."

The Cavs will surely be hoping that Varejao, who has a partially-guaranteed contract for this season and will become an unrestricted free agent next summer, can blend his recent performance with his with-LeBron durability.

Varejao GP (Missed) MPG Pts/36 Rbs/36
2004-10 388 (104) 24.1 10.4 10.0
2010-14 146 (166) 30.7 11.7 12.7

With the Cavaliers for his entire 10-year career so far, Varejao ranks fourth in franchise history in rebounds and ninth in games played.

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