Cavs Notes: Ricky Rubio, Anderson Varejao, Donovan Mitchell

It’s been more than a year since Ricky Rubio went down with an ACL injury. Then he was traded to the Pacers. Then he returned to the Cavaliers in free agency.

On Thursday, he did what he always did while with Cleveland. He entered the game, for the first time since December 2021, and made a difference.

Rubio calmed down the offense, created shots for others, and hit a couple biggie himself. All of it took 10 minutes, before trainer Steve Spiro informed coach J.B. Bickerstaff that it was time for Rubio’s time for the night was up.

In the end, the Cavs emerged with a comeback road win over the Trail Blazers and Rubio finished with nine points on 3-of-5 shooting. (Related Dribbles.)

“Today there was a lot of emotions out there,” Rubio told reporters. “I’ve been working hard all year just to be healthy so I’m grateful to be out there playing basketball.”

Bickerstaff was equally impressed — but clearly not surprised.

“I thought he was awesome. You watch all the work that he put in to bring himself back … and then he helps us make a run. That’s who he is and his teammates loved it.”

No word yet on if Rubio will play Saturday at Minnesota, though there is no reason to believe he won’t at this point. The Cavs return home for a Martin Luther King Day matinee vs the Pelicans on Monday.

Varejao Returns

In case you missed, former Cavs forward/center Anderson Varejao is back with the organization as a full-time employee. His primary role, it seems, will be to help the young guys, particularly the young bigs, at practice.

“I am thrilled and honored once again to be a formal part of the Cavaliers family,” Varejao said in a statement released by the team. “This is a unique opportunity to start a new chapter of my life with the team I love and in the city I love.

“… I am truly excited to be back here where it all started and contribute to growing the game of basketball in areas that hold a meaningful place in my heart.”

Varejao, 40, will also work as a global ambassador, assisting in the Cavs’ efforts in creating international partnerships.

“Andy embodies all that the city of Cleveland stands for and beyond, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring his experience, leadership and character back into the Cleveland Cavaliers family,” said president of basketball operations Koby Altman. “His infectious work ethic and commitment to our community have earned him his rightful place in the fabric of this organization and all of Northeast Ohio, and his impact on the game internationally will benefit our global outreach.

“We are thrilled to welcome Andy and his family back fulltime to the Cavaliers.”

Dribbles

• While all the talk was about Rubio, it was again Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland who stepped up and delivered for the Cavs vs. the Blazers. That’s been nothing new. “When you’re that good you don’t lack confidence,” Bickerstaff said of Mitchell. “I thought he got his shots early and he continued to find his shots. Then, obviously, he was making some of the shots only he can make.”
• The Cavs (27-16) have won five of seven and swept the two-game season series vs. the Blazers.