The 2014-15 Cavaliers boast some of the most talented basketball players in the world. Those same guys might also be the planet’s least talented singers.
1) After wrapping up the morning practice of the team’s first two-a-day session of Training Camp, the squad gathered at center court, while the rookies and second year guys serenaded center Anderson Varejao with an off-key version of “Happy Birthday” – as the Wild Thing celebrated his 32nd on Sunday.
Varejao isn’t the squad’s oldest player, but he is its longest-tenured. Andy’s played 534 regular season and 71 playoff games for the Wine and Gold. In 2013-14, he moved into 3rd place all-time in offensive rebounds, 4th place in total rebounds, 5th in defensive rebounds, 8th in steals, 8th in blocks and 9th in games played. And among Conference leaders last year, Varejao was 6th in offensive rebounds per game (2.9) and 6th in defensive rebounding (6.8).
Aside from the birthday hymn – (which Andy “conducted”) – the Wild Thing celebrated with an impromptu three-point shooting contest with Shawn Marion and Kevin Love. The best shooting form belonged to Love, but Varejao and Marion both showed off their impressive range.
Speaking of impressive range, the recent MVP of the 2014 FIBA World Cup, Kyrie Irving, spoke after practice about his new teammates and how they’re fitting together in the first few days of camp.
”As you’re walking through, it really starts to hit you a little bit,” said Irving. “That’s when the real moment came – (Saturday), when we first started. I’m passing to LeBron or I’m running a one-5 pick-and-roll with K. Love and he’s picking and popping. It’s something you watched every day in Minnesota or what Bron did in Miami, so it’s a surreal moment.”
Irving has been the face of the franchise since being taken with the top overall pick in 2011. He’s earned plenty of individual accolades, but he’s yet to taste true team success. Having a roster full of veterans could transform his career.
”I'm happy that Kevin and LeBron have been through that similar journey that I'm still going on,” explained Kyrie. “But all the pressure of one city being placed on your shoulders and they know what it feels like every day just dealing with that. I'm glad I have a shoulder to lean on. Last year, I could never really connect. Everyone had a pride thing, and nobody wants to offer advice. And that's okay. But now that we have players that have gone through it, I can learn from them every day.”
Irving isn’t the only one whose NBA education is being expanded by the veterans. Even Coach Blatt admitted that his seasoned squad can teach him a thing or two.
”The great John Wooden once said – and I’ve always subscribed to this: ‘It’s what you learn after you already know everything that counts,’” quoted the Cavs coach. “I’m learning every day and it’s great – I love it.”