This here giant is 7 foot 3", and battled through countless foot injuries early in his career to become one of the best shooting big-men in the NBA.

Zydrunas was born in Lithuania and played 2 years for his hometown club team Atletas Kaunas before he entered the 1996 draft.  He was selected as the 20th overall pick, and the 260 pound he-man was ready to prove his worth in the association.

Z's foot injuries in the early part of his NBA lifespan were a major concern to the organization.  He battled through countless foot surgeries and beat the odds to play 13 productive seasons in a blue-and-orange (and then Wine and Gold) uniform.

Zydrunas is the tallest player in Cleveland Cavaliers history.  Enough said right there.  With the exception of Yao Ming, Ilgauskas has looked down on almost every other human being he has encountered in his life.  Take a minute, and just think about how tall 7 ft. 3" is.  He's a certified man-child.  Z hardly even had to jump to dunk the basketball.  It's a wonder why he didn't dunk more often.

Big Z never backed down from anybody, and took on multiple fights to back up his teammates.  On more than one occasion, Zydrunas could be seen walking off the court with blood gushing from his head, then receiving stiches in the locker room to come back out and play in the same game. 

He never took crap from any other team especially Boston, and you could always count on him yelling in his Lithuanian-accent when he wasn't happy.  Zydrunas was also famous for calling out officials if he felt they made a bad call, consistently giving them dirty looks and looks of exasperation.  He never seemed to agree with a travel call made on him. 

His footwork was one of the best parts of his game.  He knew exactly what moves to make when he was in the post, and the statistics prove it;  Zydrunas has a career 48% field goal shooting percentage to go along with almost 14 points a game.  He was a reliable free throw shooter and he drew a ridiculous amount of fouls in his career. 

He averaged 28 minutes a game on the floor in Cleveland, but his last season he only averaged 20 due to the addition of Shaquille O' Neal.  He accepted his role but you have to wonder why he wasn't getting more minutes in Mike Clown's rotation during the playoffs.  This last season must have been a major disappointment to Ilgauskas, who gave everything he had to win a championship in this city.  Don't get me started on Mike Brown's inexplicable lineup strategies. 

Zydrunas played with the Cavaliers longer than any other player in history.  Z has left his mark on this organization, and claimed many franchise records.


Z also takes 2nd place in All-Time Points Scored.  As of right now he has just over 10,600 points in his career.  That number will rise this next season as he proves to be a valuable kick-out option for Wade and Prince James' drive-and-dish mentalities.
 
LeBrick James loved playing with this guy.  So much so that Z even made a cameo-appearance in the infamous Nike-Puppet commercials.  "I would like to buy some DVD's!"  (Insert Lithuanian accent)

James was well-aware that Ilgauskas was certainly a more consistent and reliable knock-down shooter than even he was.  Unlike LeBron, Z never quit on the team in the playoffs.  Will they put his jersey in the rafters?  The numbers would certainly warrant it, and the loyalty he showed to this franchise was unmatched.  Many in the Cavaliers organization speak highly on the character of Ilgauskas, and what he meant to the city of Cleveland.  He never wanted to leave, but he and James are good friends and Z knew the possibility of a championship was far more real in Miami this year.  
 
Although I'm saddened by the fact that Zydrunas is not finishing his career in a Cavaliers uniform, I will remember him as an excellent player in Cleveland sports history.  No other man as tall as he has ever had such a smooth jump shot.  Ilgauskas was a seasoned veteran and a solid leader that this team needed.  Zydrunas gave his heart to the franchise, and deserved to win a championship.  It's a shame that we didn't have a halfway decent team when Ilgauskas was in his prime.  I can still hear the fans at the Q yelling in unison, "Zeeeeeee!" as he swished another deep jumper. 
 
You can't blame him for taking the chance to win one this upcoming year alongside James, whom he has played with for the last 7 years.  Why do you think the Miami Heat wanted him?  He presents a legitimate presence at the center position. 

What other 7-footer do you know that can consistently drain shots from any spot on the floor?  He will likely see a lot of minutes with them this year, in an attempt to put that elusive ring on his finger with the Heat.  Big Z, farewell my friend.  Your services will be missed.  Zydrunas Ilgauskas is Underrated

                       

Editors note: This article originally appeared as a guest post I did for Cleveland's Hope. I discussed the ultimate impact of LeBron's decision and what it means for the franchise as well as the city.

“I’m taking my talents to South Beach.” One statement will never have as big of an impact on any city ever again, guaranteed. Those 7 words pierced through the hearts of Clevelanders as LeBron announced on ESPN that he would be playing for the Miami Heat next year, essentially abandoning the city he put on the map. Most in Cleveland were optimistic that LeBron would stay, but he decided to play with Wade and Bosh instead.

Regardless of whether you agreed with his decision, or the manner in which he decided.. LeBron is gone. What does this mean for the franchise? What impact will it have on the city? 

LeBron’s decision to leave Cleveland has already had an enormous impact on the city. By now, you’ve seen the burning jerseys and the local outrage over his decision. You smiled when you read Dan Gilbert’s letter to fans, proclaiming LeBron a coward and a traitor. But it still hasn’t sunk in. Arguably the world’s best basketball player is gone, and with him goes championship aspirations. No longer will Austin Carr chime in, “and the King THROWS the hammer down.”

Although Dan Gilbert has vowed that the Cavaliers will win a championship before LeBron does, there is virtually no chance that statement holds true. LeBron, Bosh, and Wade on the same team. That’s 3 starters from the All-Star team. Bring on Zydrunas and Mike Miller, a few other role players, and Miami is instantly the favorite in the East. You can pretty much give them the best record in the regular season, and see them in the NBA Finals.

It was hard to lure free agents to Cleveland when we had LeBron. How much harder will it be now that he’s gone? I doubt any elite players will want to come here to play; LeBron is a tough act to follow. The Cavaliers are left with Mo Williams, Jamison, Hickson, and Varejao. Oh yeah, and Christian Eyenga. He might be our best hope. Now granted there is some talent in those 5, but there is one thing missing; star power. The Cavaliers were on national television frequently, only because of LeBron. You can kiss those days goodbye, along with the nightly appearances on SportsCenter’s Top 10 Countdown. No more jaw-dropping “Akron Hammer” throw-downs. Next year, we will be lucky to get one game on ESPN - when LeBron returns to Cleveland.

The city has seen its hopes of a championship vanish with LeBron’s “decision.” The Indians are not going to win a World Series anytime soon. The Dolans simply cannot afford to keep our best players, so they trade them away. The Browns have always been the lovable losers, and making the playoffs alone would be considered a miracle. It’s been 8 years since we made the playoffs, and I don’t see it happening soon. Jake Delhomme will not be leading us to the Promised Land. 

The impact of LeBron’s decision also will hurt the city’s economy. As a result of LeBron leaving, an ESPN report estimated are that Cleveland will lose $20 to $40 million dollars per year. LeBron’s presence meant business for local restaurants, hotels, and bars. Although Cleveland has always been faithful to its sports, it will be hard watching the Cavaliers and knowing something is missing. Never again will this city have a superstar that brings the amount of attention that LeBron did, and his decision pushes us far away from sporting relevance. Maybe we won’t lose 65 games like we did in 2002, but we certainly won’t win 65 either.

Dan Gilbert will do his best to put together a contender, but don’t expect his efforts to translate into a championship level team anytime in the near future. Maybe I’m just being pessimistic, but deep inside I realize the impact that LeBron’s decision will have on Cleveland sports. Where are Ricky Davis and Darius Miles when you need them?

                       

I hate admitting this, but lately.. I've been a terrible Cavs fan.  Considering the fact that I watched all 82 games (on WUAB) during the season before we got LeBron, (17 wins, 65 losses) my recent trend has made me question my own fanhood:  I missed a game.  It stings to even talk about it.  Before our loss in San Antonio and our recent win over Sacramento, we played the New Orleans Hornets.

So more or less, I don't even feel justified in writing about that game.  Here's what I'll say:  Wednesday night, we beat New Orleans 105-92.  It was Zydrunas' first game back as a Cavalier, which makes me feel even worse.  LeBron dropped 38 points, and from the Sportscenter highlight I saw, he destroyed every single player sent to defend him.  You probably know more about what actually happened than I do. 

Then we get to Friday night, where we were matched up against Skip Bayless' San Antonio Spurs.  The Spurs thought that by acquiring Richard Jefferson, they would have enough pieces to contend with the Lakers in the West.  Jefferson has not proven to be highly effective, and last night the Spurs lost to the New Jersey Nets.   If that's not a sign that you're not going to do much in the playoffs, I don't know what is. 

Minor detail:  The Cavs lost to the Spurs, although a late surge in the 4th quarter provided for an exciting finish.  We were down 94-86, and then before you could blink we cut it to 96-92.  LeBron did all that he could to pull us from the throes of defeat, but the Spurs got lucky.  This brings me to a perplexing conclusion.  If the Spurs beat our Cavaliers, and the Nets beat the Spurs, doesn't that mean the Nets could potentially beat the Cavs?  Let's hope they don't make the playoffs, because by that premise.. we could be in for a tough series. 

On second thought, the Nets (at 10-64) are roughly 37.5 games out of 1st place, meaning they won't be in the playoffs.  Looks like we dodged a bullet there.

So Sunday afternoon, the Cavs hosted the Sacramento Queens, who were without their best player Tyreke Evans.  This game was all about Big Z; Ilgauskas played his first game at the Q since the awkward trade-that-wasn't to the Wizards for Jamison, and Cleveland showed him such much-deserved respect. 

Quicken Loans aka Gund Arena has been home for big Z since 1997, and on this one special occasion, there were more "Z" signs in the building than there were LeBron jerseys.  Z entered the game to a thunderous roar, and even though he only contributed 4 points, he still felt the love. 

LeBron scored 34 points and was on-fire in the 2nd half.  Jamison added 26, and although the Cavs let the Queens hang around for awhile, we all knew it was a matter of time until we slammed the door shut. 

My favorite part of this affair came after the game when LeBron was quoted as saying, "We've all been joking around, but seriously this might have been the most anticipated comeback since Michael Jordan coming back to the Bulls."  No arguments here.

The Cavs take on the hot Milwaukee Bucks tomorrow night, and it's getting to that point in the season where Mike Brown likes to rest his best players aka LeBron James.  We all know this is Cleveland's best shot at a championship basically ever, and he doesn't want to blow it.  LeBron knows what time it is, and he's about to show the world why the Cavaliers are the best team in the NBA.  LeBron James is Underrated

                          

It's almost official like a referee with a whistle. Zydrunas is very close to ending his short, invisible stint as a Washington Wizard, as they are nearing buying out the 7+ foot Lithuanian. Something just didn't feel right when Danny Ferry sent the life-time Cavalier to Washington, and now he should get his opportunity to end his career in Cleveland.

Zydrunas has made clear that his heart has always been in Cleveland, and he was probably not too happy that the team had to include him in the deal to get Antawn Jamison. Nothing personal Z, just business as usual. The man gave the Cavaliers everything his fragile feet could offer. He battled through multiple foot injuries, and recently broke the record for games played in a Cleveland uniform.

For reasons only he must know, Z is expected to entertain offers from several other teams, but the league-wide speculation is that Z will return to Cleveland, for at least one more run at a championship with LeBron and the new-look Cavs. There are supposedly several other teams interested in his services, but it is highly unlikely that he would sign with anyone else. Per the ignorant 30-day NBA waiting period, Zydrunas will not be eligible to return until March 21st. I love that NBA rule, if you want to trade a player and then get him back.. he has to wait 30 days. Recently Phil Jackson and Doc Rivers complained to the league about this rule, and questioned the legitimacy of him returning to the Cavaliers who just traded him. Shut up already Phil, you were the architect of the highway-robbery when you stole Pau Gasol from Memphis a few years ago. Doc, just because you have a couple retirement-home all-stars, don't be jealous.

Why do the Cavaliers need Zydrunas back? Well, for one thing.. the dude is 7 ft. 3". Thats 87 inches of sheer man, and Ilgauskas is one of the most underrated big-men in the Association. His ability to spread defenses and knock down perimeter shots, including 3 pointers, is a vastly important tool for any offense. The Cavaliers need both Shaq for his physical presence, and Zydrunas for his finesse and ability to drill shots from every spot on the floor. LeBron likes having Z on the floor, because he is seemingly always wide-open when teams double the King. LeBron likes playing with this freakishly-tall Lithuanian loch-ness monster. LeBron James is Underrated

So I've been busy with Christmas shenanigans, and I've been lazy about doing my posts. In case you missed it, the Cavs won in Sacramento on Wednesday in a game that I predicted the Cavs would dominate.. Whoops. They barely held on to send this game into overtime, and even without Kevin Martin the Cavs looked shaky throughout the game.

LeBron did have an amazing triple-double, and kept the Cavs in the game. Even though LB did work, Zydrunas was the reason we won this game. After the Cavs stopped Sacramento from even getting a shot up to force overtime, big Z decided to step his game up. Ilgauskas did the unthinkable, sending in three straight 3-pointers from the same exact spot in the corner to seal the deal in OT. The Kings couldn't make a basket, and the Cavs won 117-104.

I would talk more about this sick victory, but I'm watching the Cavs hold on to 10 point lead vs. the Lakers right now. The referees are helping the Lakers and did I mention I hate Kobe Bryant? He's such an arrogant butthead. They're up right now, and I'm sure LeBron will seal the deal when he guards Kobe for the better part of the 4th quarter. Andrew Exler knows.. LeBron > Kobe. LeBron James is underrated

Cleveland Cavaliers center Zydrunas Ilgauskaus is a class-act. Z and his wife Jennifer recently adopted a 4 and 5 year old from his home country of Lithuania. It's a safe bet that Z took them out of a bad situation and placed them into a great one. Who wouldn't to be adopted by a millionaire and move from Lithuania to America? Zydrunas is just generally a nice guy, and he has been a consistent player for the Cavs over the last several years. This comes two years following Jennifer's miscarraige with twins, which you can imagine was heartbreaking for Z and his wife. Life seems to be full of surprises for Ilgauskaus as of late. With the recent of addition of Shaq Diesel, Zydrunas will now come off the bench. Don't underestimate Z this year, he has been a solid low-post presence and outstanding deep to mid-range jump shooter. Who is a more consistent knock-down shooter in the Cavs lineup? (There isn't one) Z makes the Cavs very dangerous coming off the bench for Shaq, since teams have to defend him out to the perimeter. The 7 foot 3" center was even asked to shoot some 3-pointers last year. This guy is still ridiculously underrated. Coming off the bench won't be an issue for Z, as he made clear when recently asked about the addition of Shaq.

"At this point in my career, I really want to win," Ilgauskas said. "I'm 34 years old and I want to win a championship. Whatever helps me get that, I'm all for it. Shaq is the best center I have ever played against, so if anybody is going to replace me in the starting lineup I don't mind it being him at all."


On another note, I'm sick of talking about Delonte West, but he missed his 2nd straight practice today. Who knows what will happen with him this season. Hopefully he can just get his mind together. Maybe he needs to adopt some children from Lithuania, like my man Z. Adopting children is underrated. LeBron James is underrated