Anderson Varejao was a fan favorite for his 11 years that he spent in Cleveland. His infectious hustle, tenacious rebounding, and stifling pick-and-roll defense became his calling card as he won the hearts of Ohioans everywhere. As his athleticism and talent level declined, Varejao saw less minutes, and eventually he was traded away to Portland.
When Portland waived Varejao and he signed with Golden State, many Cavs fans viewed it as a direct betrayal. The Warriors are Cleveland’s one true rival, and seeing a Cleveland favorite defect to the enemy struck many Clevelanders the wrong way.