May 20, 2013

Cleveland Cavaliers Hire Zydrunas Ilgauskas

January 18, 2012 by 24 Comments

Big Z, Rookie Challenge MVP

On Wednesday, the Cleveland Cavaliers announced that they are welcoming the man who has played the most games in a Cavalier uniform, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, back to Cleveland.

That’s right, the Cavaliers have hired Ilgauskas to rejoin the family as a special assistant to GM Christ Grant. From the press release on the Cavaliers’ website:

The Cleveland Cavaliers today announced that Zydrunas Ilgauskas is joining the team’s front office as Special Assistant to the General Manager. The announcement was made today by Cavs General Manager Chris Grant. In his role as Special Assistant to the General Manager, Ilgauskas will be involved with front office responsibilities, including evaluation of amateur and professional prospects.

“We are very pleased to have Z begin the next phase of his basketball career with the Cavaliers and I am looking forward to working closely with him. Z has always had a great desire to learn and succeed and he already has a deep understanding and appreciation of the game and the NBA. We are extremely happy to welcome him back as part of our franchise,” said Grant. [Read more...]

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Zydrunas Ilgauskas Should Throw a Retirement Party in Cleveland, and Invite Cavs Fans

October 1, 2011 by 1 Comment

Zydrunas Ilgauskas announced his retirement yesterday, and I’m thinking his next announcement should be about his retirement party.

A festive occasion Z hosts in Downtown Cleveland, where he invites three to five hundred Cavaliers’ Fans through a free online ticket auction, all gathered together in the spirit of celebrating the Big Fella’s dozen years in a Cavs uniform.

Everyone will have so much fun, that by night’s end, nobody will even remember about that last, desperate, trip down to South Beach.

I know you’re liking this idea already Z, and there’s no need to thank me for it.  Just make it happen. If you want, I’ll even try to line some sponsors up for the occasion so the tab isn’t too steep when you pick it up for everybody at last call.  I’ve watched Turtle do the same thing for Vinny Chase a few times, and I’m pretty sure I could handle that for you.  Just my way of saying thanks for memories Big Guy. [Read more...]

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Report: Cavs to Retire Ilgauskas’ Jersey

August 23, 2011 by 17 Comments

The Cleveland Cavaliers will reportedly hoist a banner with the No. 11 on it as plans are allegedly in place to retire the jersey of longtime center Zydrunas Ilgauskas.

Lithuainia Basketball is reporting that first-overall selection Kyrie Irving was looking to select Ilgauskas’ old number as his own; though No. 1 with the Duke Blue Devils, that number is currently owned by current Cavaliers guard Daniel “Boobie” Gibson.  However, upon inquiring within, Irving was told that the No. 11 would not be an option for active players as it would soon join the likes of Mark Price, Brad Daugherty and Larry Nance high above the floor at Quicken Loans Arena.  Irving’s Plan B, apparently, was the number 15.

Given that the 7-foot-4-ince Ilgauskas is currently an NBA player, vying for a championship ring with the Miami Heat, and that said players are locked out, the team cannot comment at this time.  But given what Ilgauskas meant to the city, the way he battled back from multiple surgeries on his foot and the fact that he has played the most games in a Cavaliers jersey, the potential retirement of Big Z’s kit comes as little surprise.

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Zydrunas to Return From Foot Infection

March 24, 2011 by 10 Comments

He may not be a Cavalier anymore, but many Cleveland fans are still interested in the health and well being of Ilgauskas. Big Z still has a home in Cleveland, and has said that he has no plans to leave the area when he hangs up the basketball gear.

Let’s face it, going to the Heat made it impossible for even the most loyal Ilgauskas fan to root for a championship for the Cavaliers’ all time leader in games played. But there is no reason to wish him ill health.

Zydrunas, it was originally reported stepped on a nail, which became infected and eventually sent the seven-footer to the hospital. Zydrunas stayed in the hospital for two days while they tried to clean out the infection. Ilgauskas said yesterday that the infection happened before he stepped on the nail, at least according to the doctors. He is expected to rejoin his team again when they come back from their road trip Friday.

It has been a long season for Zydrunas, who despite starting 47 games this season, is averaging a career low in minutes played, points, rebounds and assists. Then there was the talk of his pending retirement. [Read more...]

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This is the Best Thing for the Cavs

January 18, 2011 by 21 Comments

First of all, my condolences to all the season ticket holders out there.  I don’t take your financial sacrifices lightly.  The veritable jobbing that you are taking this season at the Q is everybody and nobody’s fault.  The NBA and Dan Gilbert know what they are doing when they make season ticket holders buy their tickets so far in advance.  As consumers, you know the risks too.  The NBA, Dan Gilbert and you the consumer all have some culpability here.  Just the same, as a fan, my sympathies lie first and foremost with you season ticket holders.  That being said, the point of this is to say that what is happening now is for the best.

We have all seen some drastic descents in sports history, but this LeBron-induced descent is something extraordinary.  It isn’t all LeBron’s fault either.  This Cavs team could, and should be better than they are.  LeBron didn’t cause all these injuries.  He certainly didn’t knock Anderson Varejao out for the rest of the season.  In the end though, this is probably one of the most fortunate, unintentional tank-jobs in the history of the NBA. [Read more...]

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Ilgauskas on Return: “I Don’t Know What to Expect”

November 30, 2010 by 27 Comments

While the vast majority of fans and media outlets are focusing on LeBron James’ pending return to Cleveland, Zydrunas Ilgauskas will be wearing another jersey in Quicken Loans Arena for the first time in his 14-year career.

And while most fans have a bit of closure with regard to Ilgauskas leaving Cleveland via free agency, the veteran big man is still unsure what is in store.

“To be honest with you, I don’t know what to expect,” Ilgauskas told the Associated Press. “It’s my first time as a visitor. I’m not going to separate myself from the team. I’m part of the Heat now, so these are my guys and obviously we are going to get a harsh, harsh reception as a team.”

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Antawn Jamison Calls Cleveland “Home”

September 29, 2010 by 20 Comments

One look around the Cavaliers practice facility at Cleveland Clinic Courts in Independence, Ohio and the casual fan would have a tough time putting names to a lot of faces.  Gone are LeBron James, Delonte West and Zydrunas Ilgauskas;  in attendance are players such as Joey Graham, Christian Eyenga and Ryan Hollins.  But while many of these new players are still getting acclimated to the Cleveland area, Antawn Jamison is home.

“This is home for me,” said Jamison earlier this week.  ”It’s starting to feel like home.  I have my patterns down and I know exactly what’s going on.  Last year was a whirlwind, trying to get everything down and get used to everybody.  I’ve been here for a couple of weeks now and it feels like it’s supposed to feel.”

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Pat Riley Fires Back at Miami Heat Critics

September 11, 2010 by 10 Comments

Miami Heat president Pat Riley met with the media Friday to discuss some topics concerning the free agency summer of 2010. The long-time coach of the team took personal offense to many criticisms of the Heat throughout this long process and left no prisoners with his statements.

For Cavalier fans, it is a story that will never die and continues to haunt every single day. As much as the city of Cleveland wants to put the entire LeBron James era in the backseat now, the story will continue to be a major attention grabber for years to come.

Riley extended the news cycle of the two acquisitions of James and Chris Bosh. From comparing James to another Eastern Conference forward to lashing back at Charles Barkley, the comments are almost comical if they weren’t meant to be so serious.
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While We’re Waiting… Browns Lose, Bad NBA Contracts, Heisman Favorites

August 22, 2010 by 3 Comments

While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.

Is this the end of any QB controversy? “There is no doubt that Delhomme is the right man for the job, the field general the Browns have been lacking since the days of . . . oh, maybe Bernie Kosar. A rudderless ship since 1999, the Browns have finally found their on-field anchor.” [Marla Ridenour/Akron Beacon Journal]

Talking about last night’s standout: “Hillis looked impressive each time he touched the ball, making strong runs but also a particularly impressive catch on a third-down play. He has received less attention this off-season than running backs Jerome Harrison and Montario Hardesty, but with Hardesty’s injury and Hillis’ play on the field, it’s going to be difficult for him to stay in the shadows much longer.” [Steve DiMatteo/Dawg Pound Daily]
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Zydrunas Ilgauskas Thanks Fans in Sunday Morning Ad

August 1, 2010 by 30 Comments

Over the course of the LeBron James era, Zydrunas Ilgauskas was likely the fan base’s most beloved Cavalier.  His perseverance through chronic and career-threatening foot problems to become an all-star caliber center made him a fan favorite in this town.  It also helped that he had spent his entire career here and grew up in front of us at Gund Arena shortly after his arrival from Lithuania.  He always seemed to understand his place in the community and was happy to come of age in Cleveland.  Brian Windhorst extolled his off-the-court gestures and reputation as his inbox was flooded with notes of appreciation when Z was dealt at the deadline this past February.  His class and awareness of his standing in the community were on display again today.  Big Z took out an ad in this morning’s Sunday Plain Dealer and expressed his appreciation for Cleveland and Cavaliers’ fans while also asking for understanding going forward as he plays out his career elsewhere.

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The Post About Zydrunas, LeBron, Cleveland Fans and Loyalty

July 14, 2010 by 55 Comments

If you haven’t heard by now, Zydrunas Ilgauskas will be signing with Miami to join the Chimera. This is according to his agent Herb Rudoy. The Cavaliers’ all time leader in games played, rebounds and blocked shots will wear the colors of another team* for the first time in his 14 NBA years. (Zydrunas never played for the Wizards despite being traded at the deadline last season.) The Heat will have on their active roster Cleveland’s all time leaders in games played (Z), minutes played (James), FG made and attempted (James), FT made and attempted (James), offensive and total rebounds (Z), steals (James), blocked shots (Z), turnovers (James), fouls (Z) and points (James).

Ilgauskas did not announce his choice in primetime. He first called Dan Gilbert and Chris Grant to thank them for the opportunity and say that he would appreciate the chance to return to the organization in some capacity when his career ends, more than likely after this season. He was recruited heavily by good friend LeBron James. Unlike James, he had this to say about Cleveland- [Read more...]

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Cavaliers: Under the Microscope

May 27, 2010 by 19 Comments

With the drama of LeBron James’ free agency playing out like the last episode of LOST, I thought it would be prudent to take a thorough look at this Cleveland team to see what kind of shape they are in. In order to do this I will have to try and be as objective as possible. So if I say something that sounds cold or unfeeling towards a beloved player you know why from the start. It will be necessary to look at the players, coaching staff, owner and front office in order to do this correctly.

There is no sense evaluating who ISN’T part of the team right now. Instead, let’s take a look at the roster and determine what kind of team is here, and what options the Cavs have. [Read more...]

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Zydrunas Ilgauskas Weighs in on Mike Brown and the Future of the Cavs

May 25, 2010 by 16 Comments

Following their second-round exit from the 2010 NBA Playoffs, the Cleveland Cavaliers had a fairly lengthy “cooling off” period.  The loss to the Boston Celtics caused the season to end prematurely – at least with regard to expectations – and it forced a lot of unfortunate analysis and decision making. 

But once the dust settled, head coach Mike Brown was relieved of his duties with the team; an action that forced a few of his now former players to speak their mind.

Long time Cavalier and current free agent center Zydrunas Ilgauskas made several appearances on Monday afternoon.  And while he faced a battery of questions from different members of the media, his opinions surrounding the last few weeks did not deviate one bit.

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Cavs Pick Up Team Option on Leon Powe

May 19, 2010 by 47 Comments

With the Cavaliers anxiously awaiting word from LeBron James, general manager Danny Ferry has made his first roster move that will take effect come the 2010-11 season in picking up the team option on power forward Leon Powe.

Agreeing to terms with the Cavaliers last August, Powe spent much of the regular season rehabilitating from knee surgery.  In 20 games, the 6-foot-8 forward averaged 4.0 points and 3.1 rebounds over 11.8 minutes.  With the potential of Shaquille O’Neal and Zydrunas Ilgauskas playing elsewhere next season, Ferry felt that Powe had earned a second season with the Wine and Gold.

“Leon has worked hard to rehab and get himself back on the court this past season,” said Ferry.  “Now he has a full summer to continue working, play more basketball and come back to start next season better than ever.”

As had been laid out in previous posts, the Cavaliers would have as much as $11.5 million in cap space if James were to not re-sign.  The Powe option will cost the team approximately $915,000 and will effectively lower their available budget in said situation. 

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(Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)

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No Magic Buttons For Mike Brown

May 6, 2010 by 25 Comments

Now that I have really digested the last Cavs’ game – and yes, it took me this long – I have decided to defend Mike Brown for a minute.  I am usually not the person that defends Mike Brown.  There are certainly things that he does well, but for me, I usually think those things are overshadowed by his inability to be out front with adjustments to his rotations and overall strategy.  I don’t really think Mike Brown is a great in-game coach.  As I said though, now that I have digested the game fully, I don’t think there was really much of anything Mike Brown could have done to magically turn around the Cavs’ loss to the Celtics.

As Rick pointed out on Twitter, Mike Brown was very slow to call time out in the third quarter as the Celtics pulled away.  Then again, the way the team was playing and with how tentative LeBron was up until the fourth quarter, would the timeout really have accomplished much?  With the way Anderson Varejao was lumbering around the court with his spasm-filled back, what was Mike Brown going to say in the huddle?  Mo Williams, Delonte, Anthony Parker and Shaq couldn’t hit any shots.  Jamison was getting torched on defense, but I am guessing Mike Brown had designed help to show up after the pass.  What could Mike Brown have really done differently?  Should he have adjusted the lineup and  tried to let Ilgauskas come in and do a pick and pop after being completely out of the gameplan heading into the game? [Read more...]

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Hey Coach Brown – About Those Rotations

April 25, 2010 by 8 Comments

Following Thursday night’s loss, the Cavs have had a few days to reset their gameplan before today’s Game 4 against the Bulls. One of the biggest issues that has arisen from the Cavs’ perceived lackluster performance thus far is the question of team rotations. In game 3 the Cavs played 10 players – a number much higher than many typical playoff rotations.

The five Cavaliers with the most minutes logged in Game Four were James (44), Mo Williams (40), Antawn Jamison (37), Delonte West (30), and Anthony Parker (28). Jamario Moon saw 14 minutes off the bench (much to the delight of many commenters here), and Anderson Varejao played 20 minutes.

As Brian Windhorst pointed out, the Cavs played small for much of Game 3, putting LeBron James at the 4 spot and getting Jamario Moon on the court at the 3. In doing so, Brown limited the minutes for veteran bigs O’Neal (20 minutes) and Zydrunas Ilguaskas (5 minutes). [Read more...]

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Shaq Returns with Instant Impact; Rotation Shrinks

April 18, 2010 by 8 Comments

**This will focus on Shaquille O’Neal’s first game back from injury and his impact on the game yesterday.  Click here for a full recap.

Rick initiated the “Release the Shaqken” campaign this past week and yesterday afternoon we witnessed the Diesel’s return to the floor for the first time since February.  Shaq had been cleared to play in the final week but was held out along with LeBron in preparation for the postseason.  He is the Cavaliers’ most experienced postseason player with 4 rings and he had an immediate impact against the Bulls.  We had heard that he made an effort to stay in shape and had even lost around 20 pounds in his time off.  In his postgame press conference,  he said that “Uncle Jerome had me on the three-day workout and special diet.”  He did appear thinner in his home white uniform.  It will undoubtedly take some time for him to return full game condition, but he provided a significant boost to the Cavalier frontcourt in an effective 25 minutes played.

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Should the Cavs Rest?

April 6, 2010 by 25 Comments

The Cavs may have lost in Boston, but the Lakers lost to the Spurs.  That means the Cavs have home court advantage wrapped up for the playoffs.  Obviously the Cavs could also use a bit of rest.  LeBron James logs a lot of minutes.  Anderson Varejao is banged up having missed the last three games.  About the only guys that don’t really need to rest are Jamario Moon, Boobie Gibson and Zydrunas Ilgauskas who is still trying to get his form back after having sat out for thirty days.  So now, even though it is basketball, we get to pretend we are the Indianapolis Colts.

When the Browns couldn’t take care of business against the Bengals, the Colts’ decision to rest Peyton Manning in favor of Jim Sorgi.  The Colts dumped that game allowing the Titans in and keeping the Browns out.  (Yes, the Browns and namely Derek Anderson, had a strong hand in keeping the Browns out too.)  And of course this season, the Colts decided to give Curtis Painter a shot to play against the Jets in the second to last week as the Colts were still undefeated and on the way to the playoffs.  The Jets won that game and found a way into the playoffs. Back to the Cavs. [Read more...]

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Ilgauskas Expects Continued Improvement

March 31, 2010 by 2 Comments

The fanfare surrounding the return of Zydrunas Ilgauskas has subsided a bit, and the Cavaliers center is now looking towards another run in the post season.  Eight games remain, with seven against potential playoff teams, and each additional minute played will help the 34-year old get back to the level he was at prior to being traded to the Washington Wizards.

“It’s hard to come back after being away for a while,” said Ilgauskas. ”I’ve been feeling better with each game.  We still have a few games left until the start of the playoffs, and I expect to continue improving.”

Ilgauskas spent the majority of his time away from the Cavaliers in New York where he was working out consistently. By no means was the 30-day hiatus a vacation, but in the same, few workouts can replicate the day-to-day grind of the NBA.

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Cavs 97, Kings 90: Team Rewards Z, Earns W

March 29, 2010 by 13 Comments

It was all bout Z on Sunday. From the fans, to the vendors, to the message on the scoreboard- it was a Z fest. The most important thing for the Cavs however was getting by a scrappy Sacramento team and moving that magic number down.

Once again the Cavaliers seemed to play down to the competition. There were serious lapses on defense, particularly off of long rebounds that led to breakaways for the Kings. In the end, the Cavs clamped down and held the Kings to 4 field goals and only 14 points total in the fourth quarter. Yes, this is a trend that ideally the Cavaliers would reverse before the playoffs started, but then again the Cavs aren’t going to be facing many bad teams in the playoffs. It was their 28th win in a row against teams with records under .5oo.

LeBron James turned his game up in the second half, scoring the bulk of his 34 points after intermission. He did it with the jumper, the fade away and by driving the lane. Basically any way LeBron wanted to score he did. He was helped by Jamison’s 26 points and solid assist totals from both Mo Williams (7) and Delonte West (5). [Read more...]

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