Report: Anderson Varejao (back) likely to miss Olympics for Brazil

Golden State Warriors and Brazil big man Anderson Varejao is likely to miss the Olympics due to a back injury.

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Golden State Warriors and Brazil big man Anderson Varejao is likely to miss the Olympics due to a back injury, ESPN’s Marc Stein reports.

Varejao, 33, had a back examination with a specialist on Monday, after which it was recommended he sit out of the Rio Games. The veteran post player is one of the host nation’s most experienced players and a longtime contributor to the team, along with Rockets big man Nene, Suns guard Leandro Barbosa and Lakers guard Marcelo Huertas. Losing him is a major hit to Brazil’s medal hopes, with center Tiago Splitter also out with injury.

Varejao signed a new one-year deal with the Warriors this off-season and the injury reportedly will not impact his status for the start of next season. Varejao averaged 2.6 points and 2.3 rebounds last season in spot duty after being acquired mid-season from the Cavaliers

The Olympics begin Aug. 5. Brazil opens Group B play against Lithuania on Aug. 7.