Z

[davedugan43]

How the hell did I miss that? Anyone got a video capture or clip of it? Rep will be your reward.

ESPN also made fun of it on around the horn, so look on ESPN 360 for around the horn 1/16 and you'll probably find it

 

[Randolphkeys]

So should Z be headed to the All Star game as a reserve center?

We were the Conference Champs last year, which has historically been a bargaining chip for reserve rosters (Tayshaun Prince), and we have the fourth best record in the East.

I think its between Rasheed Wallace and Zydrunas for the designated center position on the bench. Sheed has a better team record and is arguably the second most vital player on the roster. Right now, Z is arguably the second best Cav.

The numbers:

Wallace: 12.3 ppg, 2 apg, 7.3 rpg, 1.5 bpg, 1.3 spg, 1 topg (wow), 41% fg, 75% ft.

Big Z: 13.5 ppg, 1.2 apg, 9.5 rpg, 1.4 bpg, .5 spg, 2 topg, 48% fg, 82% ft.

Thoughts?

 

[Rick Astley]

Yes.

 

[Wine and Gold]

I honestly think Z is going to be getting his third trip to the all star game this year ....looks promising to me, at least.

 

[PIP]

Z deserves to make the all star team... He's played pretty damn consistent throughout the first half of the season..

 

[Jon]

I think Z is very deserving *if* they pick a backup-C. If they instead decide to award a forward with gaudier numbers, Z could easily be odd man out.

Bogut, Okafur, and Dalembert are also possibilities.

 

[CleveRocks]

Bogut?

 

[KI4MVP]

They have to pick a backup center. The problem is will he get picked over Rasheed. And why was Rasheed even listed at center on the all star ballot, McDyess is their center. It looks like that was done because Detroit knew he had no chance to make the all star team as a forward.

Even with Rasheed listed at center, Z deserves it over him.

Rasheed - 12.3 points/7.3 rebounds
Z - 13.5 points/9.5 rebounds

 

[ChicagoCavFan]

Z's 10-10 performance could not have been timed much better.

I think the coach's vote for the reserves is due in a week. Only a couple more games to showcase Z and his arsenal of sweeping hooks. No wait, he went away from that this year. YEA!!!

 

[Jon]

Bogut?

Z has a good shot since he's on the better team and plays better D, but from raw stats - Bogut's scoring and rebounding numbers are similiar to Z's.

That's kind of the rub, though. If for instance it comes down to Jamison or Z, will they vote for the guy averaging >20ppg with >10rpg? Or the best C who's averaging far less.

 

[Randolphkeys]

I found this in the Deee-troit News:

All-Star wondering
NBA coaches are in the process of selecting the reserves for the All-Star Game, and they will be announced Thursday.

"Our two guards are right there," Saunders said of Richard Hamilton and Chauncey Billups , the most likely Pistons selections.

"It depends on what everybody else is thinking, but both of those guys have a great opportunity."

There has been speculation that Rasheed Wallace might get picked because of the paucity of centers in the East, but Saunders doesn't see that happening.

"'Sheed's come out publicly so much about not playing that I think the coaches will probably pick (Cleveland's Zydrunas ) Ilgauskas ," Saunders said.

"'Sheed's never been one to care much about all-star games and things like that. Remember, he was the only person ever to get thrown out of the McDonald's (High School) All-Star Game."

Wallace remembered the story well. "Some guy hit me with an elbow, I elbowed him back and I was jawing with the ref," he said.

Doc would be foolish to pass on Zydrunas. The two-man game with LeBron would be a nice change of pace when Dwight Howard and KG sit. I also expect Bosh to make it as a power forward, and his quickness and perimeter game is a nice compliment to what Z brings.

I for one will always be glad there is a required second center on All Star rosters. Teams draft unpolished 7 footers too high every year if they even have the possibility of defending the paint and rebounding the way Z does. The All Star game might be all about offense, but it is also an honor bestowed upon the most coveted players in the game.

Any team could use a skilled 7'3 guy who does all the dirty work year in and year out- moreso than a 6'8 guy who gives you points and rebounds but doesn't play much defense. We take that for granted far too often.

 

[Mac]

It would be nice, Z deserves it!

 

[KI4MVP]

Doc would be foolish to pass on Zydrunas.

Doc doesn't pick the reserves, all of the coaches in the east do.

 

[Randolphkeys]

Doc doesn't pick the reserves, all of the coaches in the east do.

Gotta point, I was typing faster than I could think. If I wrote this part over, I'd say:

"Doc Rivers should hope that Z gets voted in. Rasheed is a bigger headache in All Star games than asset. Z might not sprint down the floor like its Rucker Park, but he brings plenty in an All Star setting with a real point guard, an athletic power forward, and LeBron James on the floor with him."

Happy now? I will be in a week .

 

[CleveRocks]

Well it won't be shaq. I don't think it will be Ben Wallace, Eddy Curry, or Bogut. Who plays center for Toronto? Dalambert would be a mention, but has not had a Z year, Jermaine O'Niel has been hurt. I think Z deserves it.