The NBA's trade deadline this season comes next Thursday at 3pm. For the second straight year, an injury has helped keep Cavaliers forward/center Anderson Varejao off the trade market. As analysts and fans have discovered this year more than any previous year, Varejao is critical to the growth, development, and future success of the Cavaliers. Retired star and current analyst Reggie Miller has referred to Varejao as a "glue guy"--someone who helps hold the team (and its performance) together.
As I have stated in past blog posts, there are many parallels between sports and business and sports and life. A couple years ago, a friend of mine referred me to bestselling author Seth Godin's book, Linchpin (Are You Indispensable?). As Godin notes, "Every successful organization has at least one linchpin; some have dozens or even thousands. The linchpin is the essential element, the person who holds part of the operation together. Without the linchpin, the thing falls apart." Godin's words match well with Miller's in describing Varejao's value to the Cavs franchise.
Among Godin's discussion of linchpins are "The Seven Abilities of the Linchpin". These abilities are:
- Providing a unique interface between members of the organization
- Delivering unique creativity
- Managing a situation or organization of great complexity
- Leading customers
- Inspiring staff
- Providing deep domain knowledge
- Possessing a unique talent.
Looking at this list, Varejao definitely has these abilities and utilizes them accordingly. From his excellence in running the pick and roll (comparable to Brad Daugherty, whose retired jersey #43 hangs in the rafters) to his stellar understanding and execution of defense and rebounding, Varejao possesses unique talents, helps manage the team's playcalling on both sides of the court, provides a high basketball IQ, and keeps his teammates connected and engaged. From taking charges earlier in his career to making more and more quiet and eye-catching good plays, he shows creativity and inspires his teammates. In all of this, he leads his customers--team management, coaches, teammates, fans. Varejao's style of play is like a brand--it's no coincidence people continue to wear #17 jerseys and curly-haired wigs in his tribute.
In a sport with superstars and legends like Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kobe Bryant, in an era with advanced technology and conditioning, playing on teams with rising stars and superstars like Kyrie Irving, LeBron James, and O'Neal, Varejao has done something that basketball players across the NBA and throughout the world aspire to do: stand out from the crowd.
He has done this despite playing most of his career coming off the bench. Just two seasons ago, people were referring to Varejao as overrated and overpaid. Supposedly, he was just the beneficiary of playing on a good team. His ability to handle the fundamentals and grunt work, along with his unorthodox jump shot, were considered only 'role player' material. Yet, he never sold himself short and never complained. This season, Varejao has matched or outperformed top post players in head-to-head matchups, including Kevin Garnett, Andrew Bynum, Roy Hibbert, and Tyson Chandler.
Despite the All-Star caliber performances, Varejao has remained humble. Instead of talking about everything he did or does, he talks about his teammates and his coaches. He even continues to thank the fans. As another friend of mine recalled Varejao saying after a win against the Los Angeles Clippers: "Since I got to Cleveland, the fans have taken to me. I didn't speak any English, but every time I would get in a game, I felt like I had somebody behind me, helping and motivating me. The fans did that for me when I got here. And now that they know me, I just want to thank them for everything they've done for me."
In a team sport among team sports, Varejao remains focused on the team and its fans. In a championship-hungry city, Varejao always acknowledges, remembers, and appreciates the fans. On a young developing team, Varejao always exhibits a world class work ethic, enthusiasm, and heart. Whether evaluated by basketball metrics or business standards, Anderson Varejao is a linchpin for the Cleveland Cavaliers. While he will always be from Brazil, Cleveland is also his home. Here's hoping to many more years of Varejao's presence with a team, franchise, and city destined for a championship.