Zydrunas Ilgauskus has signed with Miami (post #127)

[dcm226]

He would have started in Atlanta and probably Dallas. But Dallas got Chandler and Atlanta wants Shaq.

You just contradicted yourself.

 

[Karma]

I will wish Z well as a person.

But there's no way in hell that his jersey gets retired now.

That's just bad business for the Cavs to retire anyone's jersey who left the same year as Le*** to play for the Heat.

You are wrong here and will be proven wrong in time.

Also no homophobic comments.

 

[The Voice]

Wow you guys forget how loyal Z was to us for so long.

Yes it hurts like salt in an open wound, but Z did everything the right way as a class act. He's made it clear for some time he wants to go ring chasing. He's earned it and deserves it.

So show some class and respect for Z, he's given us 14 years.

Yes and I would have been fine with it if he went to any other team. I hope the dude breaks a screw in his ankle and falls on LBJ to break LBJ's leg.

 

[WhoWeAre]

You are wrong here and will be proven wrong in time.

Also no homophobic comments.

Sorry for that.

But there's no way we retire Z's jersey so long as Gilbert is the owner -- I'd bet on that.

 

[Karma]

Yes and I would have been fine with it if he went to any other team. I hope the dude breaks a screw in his ankle and falls on LBJ to break LBJ's leg.

You fail to recognise why he chose Miami over the other contenders. Keep letting the hate cloud your judgement.

 

[dcm226]

Dallas have Haywood starting as well as Chandler (or Dampier before that). Atlanta do not fall under the "contender" tag just yet. If Z's decision is based on playing time and chance to win, Miami was a no brainer.

Plus Atlanta has Al Horford AND Josh Smith. Z wouldn't start there. Or have half the role off the bench.

 

[ColumbusCavsfan]

E tu Z. I really wish this didnt happen. I cant blame the guy for ring chasing, just wish he would have done it with another team.

 

[The Voice]

Plus Atlanta has Al Horford AND Josh Smith. Z wouldn't start there. Or have half the role off the bench.

Z could have easily had playing time with the Lakers.

 

[Backstage]

Sorry for that.

But there's no way we retire Z's jersey so long as Gilbert is the owner -- I'd bet on that.

That seems like a poor bet. What's the reasoning? You think Gilbert takes offense at Z's leaving? Doubtful, at best. People here, at least the ones with common sense, still will love Z no matter what happens this year. Gilbert and Z never seemed to have any hard feelings. I don't know what "bad business" you think would be done. It's not going to hurt the Cavs' image, Gilbert's finances, or any of the sort if he's here when Z's jersey gets hung.

 

[Houston RZ34]

I'm not mad at Z, I understand why he's doing it.

 

[Karma]

Z could have easily had playing time with the Lakers.

Miami have no center, LA has Bynum and Gasol. Did LA even make an offer?

Opportunity for playing time is much greater in Miami. The fact he has a friend in LeBron (each to their own) pitching him also would sway him that way. All the indicators point at Miami being the best spot for Z.

 

[raisen]

Zydrunas Ilgauskas earned the right to chase a title: Terry Pluto
Updated: Tuesday, July 13, 2010, 7:33 PM

Terry Pluto, The Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- After LeBron James signed with Miami, Cavs fans probably figured it couldn't get any worse.

Only it just did, as Zydrunas Ilgauskas signed a veteran's minimum contract of $2.8 million over two years to join James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in South Beach. Some fans may not like it, especially since the Cavs also offered Ilgauskas a chance to return, but he picked Miami.

But after 14 years, seven coaches, five foot operations and one trade, Ilgauskas has proven his worth to the Cavs. He knows that his career is on borrowed time, and he may have only one or two more years to play on a championship team.

With James bolting for Miami, that wasn't going to happen here. So don't fault Ilgauskas for heading south.

The 7-foot-3 center knows what is coming this season at Quicken Loans Arena, and it won't be adding any championship banners to the rafters. He has heard new coach Byron Scott was to run -- which is hardly the best style of play for a 35-year-old center who has battled foot and back problems in his career.

But most of all, it's the idea of rebuilding -- again.

Ilgauskas graciously gave up his starting spot to Shaquille O'Neal last season. He endured the embarrassment of former coach Mike Brown forgetting to put him in the game the night Ilgauskas was set to break the team record for career games played.

Then there was the February trade to Washington for Antwan Jamison. Rather than remain with the Wizards or sign with another team, Ilgauskas allowed his contract to be bought out. He waited the NBA-required 30 days to come back to the Cavs for a chance at a championship.

In the playoffs, Ilgauskas was the forgotten man. He appeared in only seven of 11 games, a grand total of 69 minutes. He had to wonder why he even bothered to come back, but he wanted to give Cleveland one more try.

Now, it's on to Miami, where James was recruiting him and the Heat have no center on the roster. He really is needed there.

And here?

It's always great to have Ilgauskas on the roster, but the Cavs must develop players. They need to get younger and he'd probably back up Anderson Varejao and J.J. Hickson, who are expected to play most of the minutes at center.

Despite the sizzling email by owner Dan Gilbert promising the Cavs would win a title before Miami, the Cavs will have to lose a lot of games in the next few seasons before they can hope to win big again.

Who can blame Ilgauskas for not wanting to wait it out, especially since he doesn't know how long he can play?

Ilgauskas never complained about anything with the Cavs. Former owner Gordon Gund and General Manager Wayne Embry always admired how Ilgauskas endured experimental foot surgery. He could have skipped one last – the fifth -- procedure and pocketed more than $40 million left on his contract.

"I've been a loyal soldier for 14 years, I just feel it's time for me to go and chase my dream of winning a ring," Ilgauskas told The Plain Dealer.

There should be no argument that he's earned it.

 

[RealKingofCleve]

fuck Z, im pretty sure Z could take a shit in your breakfeast and you guys would still love him. He pretty much just gave cleveland an F-U in my opinion by playing with the guy who quit on us and his team.

 

[PIP]

The irony in all this is just too much for your boy here....

 

[Houston RZ34]

Who can blame Ilgauskas for not wanting to wait it out, especially since he doesn't know how long he can play?

Ilgauskas never complained about anything with the Cavs. Former owner Gordon Gund and General Manager Wayne Embry always admired how Ilgauskas endured experimental foot surgery. He could have skipped one last – the fifth -- procedure and pocketed more than $40 million left on his contract.

"I've been a loyal soldier for 14 years, I just feel it's time for me to go and chase my dream of winning a ring." Ilgauskas told The Plain Dealer.

There should be no argument that he's earned it.

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