(SB Nation Cleveland, Chris White) Anderson Varejao has been penciled in to start at center for the Cleveland Cavaliers pretty much since day one. The veteran center is one of the better players on roster lacking front court depth. The Cavs are a team that has been dominated by a rookie though, young star Kyrie Irving. They might need to start yet another rookie, Tristan Thompson, in Varejao's absence with a veritable black hole at the center position.

Semih Erden, Ryan Hollins and Samardo Samuels are the 'veteran' options at center for Cavs head coach Byron Scott, and none have been particularly effective. Rookie power forward Tristan Thompson is probably the most intriguing option at the moment, and the fourth overall pick in the most recent draft might just get his chance as the days tick by with no Varejao.

Right now, however, it looks like Scott does not want to put Thompson into the lineup right away due to his lack of experience and young age. Thompson is averaging just 18 minutes per game as a rookie but was selected to the NBA Rising Stars Challenge at the All-Star Game in Orlando. With Varejao out now, his minutes will likely increase regardless of who gets the starting nod.