Cavaliers center Varejao likely out for season

If there was any question the Cavaliers were going to challenge for the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft, it was solidified on Sunday.

Center Anderson Varejao, arguably their best defensive player, likely will be lost for the rest of the season after he tore a tendon in his right foot.

The 6-foot-11, 260-pounder was injured on Thursday during practice at Cleveland Clinic Courts. At first, doctors thought it was a “sprained ankle.”

He was examined and received X-rays and an MRI at Cleveland Clinic Sports Health on Thursday.

Varejao, 28, received a follow-up MRI on Sunday at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix. The exam revealed a complete tear of the peroneus longus tendon in the midfoot.

Varejao will return to Cleveland in the near future for further consultation. He’s expected to have surgery that will end his season.