MILWAUKEE, Wis. - Cavaliers center Anderson Varejao, who is out for the season with an Achilles tear, says he contemplated attempting a return this season.

"I wanted to give it a try, but I'm being told to continue my rehab so I can be ready for the start of next season," Varejao told Northeast Ohio Media Group. "It's hard. I want to play. I'm progressing, but I'm going to listen to the team. They have my best interest."

A rush back from an Achilles injury would be a major risk for the 6-10 center and the franchise. Varejao's competitive nature should be commended, but the team's medical staff and management were able to convince him that sitting out would be the appropriate path.

"The Achilles injury and the recover from it is very protocol oriented," Cavs coach David Blatt said of Varejao's situation on March 10 after he posted an Instagram video of himself shooting jumpers. "They're going to go step-by-step and Andy will try to push the envelope. And since he's not going to come back this year, we will not allow him to.

"We'll take him through the process and try to make sure he heals completely for the beginning of next year. The thing about Andy, he's just that kind of a guy. He wants to come back and he wants to get out there, but obviously this year is not the time for him to do that. So, we'll go along with his excitement and rein him in when necessary."

The season-ending injury occurred in a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Dec. 23. It was a huge blow for the organization. The one true center they had, that was game-ready, was suddenly out of commission.

Since then the team has acquired Timofey Mozgov and his impact has been integral to the Cavaliers turning around their season. Varejao attends the home games and supports his teammates however he can.

Still, it's killing him that he can't physically help out.

"Man, it's tough," he said "but I'm going to keep working and being supportive."

He is no longer wearing a protective boot, but he's not quite ready to perform intense workouts. Even if he was dead-set on returning to action this season, he says he wouldn't know what date he would target, a sign that it was never a realistic possibility.

If his condition improves, he could begin to join the team on road trips, particularly in the playoffs. At this point he just wants to be as close to the team as possible.

"I miss playing, but I'm happy we're winning," he said. "That helps."