Anderson Varejao was on the losing side of the 2016 NBA Finals. The midseason addition of the Golden State Warriors watched helplessly as the Cleveland Cavaliers, his former team for 11 seasons, rallied from a 3-1 series deficit to take home the championship.
In a weird twist, Varejao is eligible for a championship ring because he spent the first 31 games of this season with the Cavaliers before a trade to Portland set him on a path to the Warriors, who signed him after the Trail Blazers released him.
Despite the opportunity, Varejao will not accept the ring from the Cavaliers.
Varejao eligible to receive a championship ring from time with #Cavs, but told he has no plans to accept after finishing with #Warriors.
— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) July 17, 2016
It’s understandable. Varejao just signed a new contract with the new-look Warriors, and wearing the ring would would sure make for some awkward plane conversations with Steph Curry and company.
But wouldn’t it be great if he really committed to the idea that he was part of the Cavs’ championship? When the Cavs visit the White House next season to receive congratulations from President Donald Trump, Varejao should ask the Warriors for the day off so he can attend. “Coach, I need a personal day to celebrate a great moment with my title-winning teammates.”
It’s thoughts like this that help crystalize why I don’t play professional sports — the thoughts and lack of talent, anyway.