<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">In a regular season defined by two momentum-shifting trades, it's the one the Cavaliers did not make that is now paying big dividends. The decision to keep center Zydrunas Ilgauskas ranks among the best the club has made. While the front office will tell you they had no intention of moving the 7-foot-3 Lithuanian, his long-term future in Cleveland appeared as bleak as Tim Couch's in December. Back then, Cavalier playoff hopes were virtually as non-existent as Ilgauskas' fourth-quarter playing time under coach Paul Silas. Qualifying for the eighth and final playoff spot still seems remote, only now because the Cavaliers could finish in seventh place or higher. Ilgauskas is a major reason for that.</div> Full Story <font size="3">Ilgauskas' strides fuel Cavaliers</font> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Zydrunas Ilgauskas remembers the dark days. In the winter of 2001, after suffering yet another foot injury, the Cavaliers' center didn't think he could go through another surgery and recovery. Just 25 at the time, he estimated he had spent an entire year on crutches rehabilitating one thing or another. There were tears and serious talk of retirement, and no one would have blamed him if he packed it in. General Manager Jim Paxson talked of moving forward without Ilgauskas. But now, almost exactly three years to the day since his last surgery, Ilgauskas has emerged as a force in the middle and a key to the Cavaliers' playoff push, which will resume with Sunday's 3 p.m. game against the Indiana Pacers in Gund Arena. In his last three games all Cavalier victories Ilgauskas has averaged 26.3 points and 7.0 rebounds while shooting 68.8 percent (33-of-48.) </div> Full Story I bet Karma will love this Check out these articles people and offer up your opinions on how the big mane has been playing.
He is one third the factor in the Cavs success player wise. Noone in the East can match up with this guy down low and if they can he take them outside for the midrange jumper. It is proven that by working it inside to Z first is one of the secrets to the Cavs success.
I am just glad he has stepped it up, because a few months ago I bet 90% of Cavalier fans actually wanted him to be traded. Z knew it was close, hearing his name in trade rumors every day, I bet that is what motivated him.
I admit.... I was all for dealing him for a guy like Marion or even Jamison. It wasn't because I didn't like Z.... it was because I didn't want to have a max player on the team and not having him being used properly (as was the case in November-December)
I remeber when I was up for a Z deal. But all the offers just weren't good enough. I wonder how the Cavs would be playing right now if we delt him for Rasheed along with McInnis.
Z has always been a keeper to me. When the rumors began to fly, my first thought was, the only way we get rid of this guy is to get a quality big man in return. And where was that quality big man going to come from?? Tank
I admit I was a Z "hater" earlier in the season. But I am glad he has proved me wrong. Hopefully he keeps it up down the stretch. However, next year is the last year of his contract, and his trade value will be at its highest.
Is it really Lebron or Zydrunas? Okay, I'm not too sure about this argument, but I feel that it is Zydrunas Ilgauskas that is the person that's responsible for the recent surge of the Cavaliers. His height and athleticism has alot to do with it. Lebron is nothing without him.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting King James:</div><div class="quote_post">I am just glad he has stepped it up, because a few months ago I bet 90% of Cavalier fans actually wanted him to be traded. Z knew it was close, hearing his name in trade rumors every day, I bet that is what motivated him.</div> I'm happy to say I'm in that minority 10%. Thats quite obvious. I think last year was terrible for Z for 1 reason. Even though he put up over 17ppg, and was voted into the Allstar game, he was taught bad habits. Got into that losing culture that started when was injured. Up until his injuries, the Cavaliers were a playoff team. When he finally returned to health last season the team was a mess. Z was satisfied just to be on the court and scoring some points. That continued partially into this year until the Cavs shown they were moving forward, and they would without him if he wasn't performing. But being a class act, he showed you non-believers his true value. An untouchable!
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting cavaliersfan25:</div><div class="quote_post">I admit I was a Z "hater" earlier in the season. But I am glad he has proved me wrong. Hopefully he keeps it up down the stretch. However, next year is the last year of his contract, and his trade value will be at its highest.</div> You can add me to that list. He has definately turned his season around. The whole team is buying into what Silas wants them to do, and it has translated into wins and a fight for a playoff spot.
There are only a handful of true C's left in the league. Why let go? Keep him until all his body parts are made of metal.
^Really, but the Cavs are slippin now. I hope they make it still, that would especially help the NBA ratings if they do fo sho. I'm not really looking foward to the Celts making it, even though I like Ricky. But still, they need to make it just to help out the NBA.
The name of this thread says it all. Ilgauskas is a keeper. What does he have to do to make people believe this?
