CLEVELAND (AP) - Anderson Varejao's big body has betrayed him again.
Cleveland's hustling center needs surgery to repair a muscle that split near his right knee and could cause him to miss two more months, a major setback for a young Cleveland team struggling through another miserable season.
The NBA's leading rebounder, Varejao was injured Dec. 18 vs. Toronto. The injury was initially diagnosed by team doctors as only a bruised right knee, but as his symptoms persisted, more tests were performed and revealed a ``longitudinal split'' between Varejao's quadriceps and knee.
Varejao will have surgery on Thursday at The Cleveland Clinic, and the team said he will be sidelined a minimum of six to eight weeks. The team said Dr. Richard Steadman in Vail, Colo., provided a second opinion on the injury.
``We're losing one of our best guys on and off the floor. He's the heart and soul of our basketball team,'' Cavs coach Byron Scott said. ``This is a big-time blow. I'm just trying to keep him in the best of spirits because it's been three straight years of getting some type of injury that's just derailed him. This is the biggest because he has been playing so well.''
Varejao has missed over 100 games in the past three seasons with significant injuries. He sat out 51 games in 2011 with a torn ligament in his foot and he was sidelined for 41 games last season after breaking his wrist. One of the NBA's scrappiest players, Varejao was playing at an All-Star level when he banged his knee last month and went down with what appeared to be a routine injury.
However, it's much worse and the Cavs are again without an important piece as they try to rebuild.
``I will need to go through another surgery,'' Varejao said on his Twitter page. ``Unfortunately, it must happen though it is not easy. It is tough having to go through it all again, it is a difficult time for my family and friends. I was having a great season and being able to help the Cavs, but this injury will keep me away from the team for a few more weeks.
``I want to be back as soon as possible.''
The Cavs have gone 3-7 this season without Varejao, who was to miss his 11th straight game on Wednesday.
Cleveland has had more than its share of injuries in the past few seasons. Point guard Kyrie Irving, last season's rookie of the year, missed 11 games earlier this season with a broken finger and he's one of three Cavaliers who have had to wear protective face masks to protect broken facial bones.
Scott has only had his full complement of players for seven games this season. The Cavs are 8-28 heading into Wednesday night's game vs. Atlanta.
``It's real tough,'' Scott said. ``You're disappointed, frustrated and (ticked) off. You have so many different emotions going through your head, but what can you do? Everybody in this league has to deal with injuries and we've had to deal with them for three straight years. You just got to keep playing hard with the guys that you have and try to get them better.''
The Cavs were expected to explore trade possibilities for the 6-foot-11 Varejao to acquire more future draft picks. But now that he's hurt, the team is stuck and has to hope youngsters like Tristan Thompson and Tyler Zeller improve with more playing time.
``When you have a big blow like this, you're going to have guys get a golden opportunity,'' Scott said. ``When you have an injury like this, there is always a silver lining.''
Varejao was averaging 14.4 rebounds per game and was making a strong push to make his first All-Star Game appearance. He is under contract with the Cavs for two more seasons, with the club holding an option for 2014-15.
Scott had not spoken to Varejao, who he knows is hurting.
``I don't even know if I'll talk to him,'' Scott said. ``I'll probably go up to him and give him a hug and tell him, ``It's going to be OK.''
