The Cleveland Cavaliers' Anderson Varejao is the only remnant of the old LeBron James' era. From perennial contenders to the league's whipping boys after LeBron's departure, Varejao did not bolt the sunken ship. Now that it's stronger than ever, he is ready to reap the rewards of a very rare trait in professional sports: loyalty.

LeBron James did say that Varejao was his favorite teammate, and he'll be relieved to see that familiar face (and very distinct hairstyle) when they start training camp.

Hoopshype talked with Varejao and they got these choice quotes:

"All these years there were a lot of people on my ear telling me that I should ask for a trade because LeBron wasn't there and the team was in a rebuilding process. They told me I should leave, that I should go to another team and try to help win a title and I always said no, I won't. I don't need to leave. I like the city, I like the people here, and I'm going to keep fighting through this. And now that LeBron is back the people is telling me I did the right thing.''

On Kyrie Irving being on Team USA and exposed to international competition:

"Playing in Spain will be good for (Kyrie Irving) in terms of experience, but things are going to be good for him playing with LeBron as well. He's going to learn a lot from LeBron. I believe this season he could play more like Chris Paul, not having to score so much.''

On their championship chances:

''We're going to fight for the title no doubt. I think if we all stay healthy this season, it's going to go down to that. This season San Antonio won because they got hot at the right time and now I think we really have a good chance to win the ring.''

Was he there when they announced that LeBron will return?

''All my friends were in Cleveland when LeBron announced that he was coming back and they told me 'Oh my God the city's going crazy right now.'''

Message to Cavaliers' fans:

''I want to stay in Cleveland. They know what I want to do, they know I want to stay.''

It really can't end up any better for Anderson Varejao. Loyalty does pay off!