Zydrunas Ilgauskas - Game #724 - Cavaliers record

[SanduskyCav]

:gtfo: Mike Brown

 

[RonG]

I'll tell you this ...Mike Brown was being scrutinized before all this went down, and the front office and owner aren't at all happy with the recent decisions and communications problems that have been coming from our head coach.

I will tell you this, if we do not win this year, this will be another bargaining chip used to resign LBJ.

 

[Born 'N' Raised]

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Wow. From those comments I get the sense there is now a pretty serious rift between Z and MB. That's really disappointing. I have never heard Z make such strong comments about anyone. Brown must have really disrespected Z when he asked for an explanation for the DNP. If it reaches the point that sides need to be chosen, I would definitely back Big Z. Hopefully they'll get over the drama and clear things up quickly.

 

[AvonCavsFan]

Initially the communcation from Mike Brown to Z was basically I'm the coach, you play when I call you into the game. Nothing is guaranteed.

Then his tune changed once he started getting heat from Lebron, the owner, and GM.

Then he wanted to reach out to Z and smooth things over. Admit it was a mistake, and that he was sorry.

Z didn't want to hear any of that because he felt he already got the honest answer from Mike Brown after the Dallas game. Anything that he said after that was due to pressure applied by players, gm, and owner ..and would have been seen as bullshit, basically ..to try and save his ass.

I think that best describes the mindsets ...

I totally agree with Z on this...He got the honest MB right after the game...anything MB says now is not what he truly felt and only something he feels he needs to say to save his ass. I wouldn't want to hear a fake apology either.

In a nutshell this tells you all you need to know about our head coach. Last year I questioned his tactics, but always thought of him as a "good" guy, but now, not so sure. I am baffled he gets paid what he does to do this job. We win in spite of, not because of in my opinion. I mean you could put a lot of us on that sideline to watch Lebron "bring it home", right?

 

[Born 'N' Raised]

I'll tell you this ...Mike Brown was being scrutinized before all this went down, and the front office and owner aren't at all happy with the recent decisions and communications problems that have been coming from our head coach.

This single sentence carries some heavy food for thought.

 

[Snarly]

I agree that he needs to let it go, and think he will, because he always has the organization's well being in his mind.

However, it has to be tough for the big fella, especially all he's been through, never having complained, just taking everything in stride.

On what he feels was his biggest accomplishment, basically the one thing that has made his career so unique, he was treated as badly as he was, his emotions got the best of him. It (sort of) all came out with the one interview. And I'm sure even Z would admit he probably shouldn't have said anything. But I can vouch for the guy (I'm just like him. Take everything in stride, don't complain, just do what I'm asked) that it's tough sometimes and there are times when you say or do something you shouldn't when you feel like you're being taken advantage of or being slighted. This was Z's career achievement & although he still broke the record, he had it taken away by him.

There's almost no doubt in my mind that Z only said he didn't want it to be acknowledged because it just wouldn't have been the same to him.

I am sure he will be fine I mean He has everyone behind him and he Is A mature man. I just wonder how this Will affect Mike Browns status with the team. From what I read here He has to be told how to run rotations and then makes a stand and does this? Not a good sign and even worse If the team Is bigger than the coach. At least not good for MB.

 

[raisen]

Cavaliers fans (finally) get chance to laud Z

By David S. Glasier
DGlasier@News-Herald.com

Zydrunas Ilgauskas finally had his record-setting moment Wednesday at Quicken Loans Arena.

Early in the first quarter of what eventually became a one-sided victory for the Cavaliers over the Phoenix Suns, the 14-year veteran center subbed in for Shaquille O'Neal.

Ilgauskas thus had played in 724 games in a Cleveland uniform, surpassing the previous record of 723 credited to Danny Ferry, now the Cavs' general manager.

The vast majority of fans in the sellout crowd of 20,562 feet rose to their feet and gave the 34-year-old native of Lithuania an extended standing ovation.

When his night's work was done, Ilgauskas had scored a team-high 14 points. He now has 10,269 points, third on the team's all-time scoring list behind LeBron James and Brad Daugherty.

Wednesday's celebration of Ilgauskas' longevity took on an emotionally charged tone because of what happened, or didn't happen, in Saturday's home victory over Dallas.

Cavs coach Mike Brown surprised a lot of people by not playing Ilgauskas in that game. The first did-not-play/coach's decision of his long career certainly surprised Ilgauskas, who had many friends and family members in the stands for the game.

The usually media-friendly Ilgauskas steered clear of reporters on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and most of Wednesday.

After Wednesday's game, as he finished dressing at his locker, Ilgauskas turned toward the many reporters gathered there and said softly, "Excuse me for making you wait."

When he was finally ready to speak, Ilgauskas carefully measured every word. It didn't take an expert in body language or voice inflection to detect a deep well of emotion in Ilgauskas' utterances. If the assembled media types and fans thought Ilgauskas would use the forum to rip Cavs coach Mike Brown for Saturday's DNP-CD, they were wrong.

Here is a verbatim transcript of Ilgauskas' postgame remarks:

"Let me say my peace, and off I go.

"First of all, I would like to thank the fans for their reception tonight. That was one of the coolest things I've experienced in my life. And also the closest I've come to tears on the basketball floor. I very much appreciate it and thank them.

"Obviously, I was very disappointed that I didn't play in the last game. I know I'm a good player. I think by me playing in that game, I would not have affected the outcome of the game. What made me more disappointed and upset was the acts that followed and this whole mess that has been created.

"I'm not going to go into any details. Once again, I'm going to be a bigger man and walk away from this. I know when I go to bed at night, my conscience is clear.

"What I'm going to do is I am going to continue doing my job. I love this team. I love my teammates. They are like a family to me. I'm going to come every day to work and try my hardest, win some games and hopefully bring a championship to this city because they deserve it — the fans.

"And I want to apologize to you guys for not being available the last two days. It's been not an easy ordeal. Thank you."

With that, Ilgauskas walked away from his locker and strode toward the door.

In his postgame remarks, Brown offered only this brief assessment of his veteran center's big night: "It's terrific for him and his family that he accomplished that feat with everything that he's gone through."

LeBron James makes no secret of the strong feelings he has for Ilgauskas. The day after Ilgauskas didn't play against Dallas, he publicly second-guessed Brown's controversial decision. Wednesday, his remarks were all about Ilgauskas and the record-setting appearance.

"Z is playing great basketball. He's consistent and works hard every day,'' James said. "I'm happy to be a teammate of his."

http://www.news-herald.com/articles/2009/12/03/sports/nh1779646.txt

 

[Born 'N' Raised]

Windhorst's thoughts on the drama:

• Zydrunas Ilgauskas asked the organization not to celebrate him breaking the games played record, though the fans gave him plenty of applause anyway. Then after the game he just made a statement and didn't take any questions for a third consecutive day. It was, essentially, accepting the honor under a protest.

He deserves a lot of praise for what he has accomplished, it was a personal achievement to get through those injuries to get to this point. During that time he has been given an incredible amount of money, more than $130 million. He took losing his starting job to Shaq like a pro and never complained outwardly. And he had a right to be upset by not playing last Saturday and even a right to be upset about a few things that happened behind the scenes over the last couple of days.

But he needs to get past it. He is making it linger and it is not good for the team. He's not over it and it is clear to everyone on the team. His feelings have been expressed, he has the general public on his side and his coach said he's sorry both privately and publicly. The only damage being done now is by him.

 

[MoFlo]

I am sure he will be fine I mean He has everyone behind him and he Is A mature man. I just wonder how this Will affect Mike Browns status with the team. From what I read here He has to be told how to run rotations and then makes a stand and does this? Not a good sign and even worse If the team Is bigger than the coach. At least not good for MB.

Oh I agree that he'll be fine, just saying that people who are expecting him to get over it quickly should not expect it, as it'll take some time.

And it really doesn't look good for Brown. If he really was trying to make a stand on a huge night like Saturday was supposed to be, he really is dumber than I thought.

 

[Taiter]

So is Mike Malone ready to be a head coach?

 

[Gunther]

Damn it, I just typed up a heart-felt diatribe on tonight's game, and then lost every word of it by hitting the wrong key. Dummy me.

Well, here's the short version. Some of you may wish to dispute some of this with me, and I'll be happy to do that tomorrow - just leave your thoughts and I'll get back to you. I don't want to type all of that up twice.

Basically, I wanted to send a shout out to Big Z, Shaq, and Boobie after watching their post-game interviews. All of them showed real emotion and honesty, IMO.

I cannot say the same for either Mike Brown or Brian Windhorst. Mike Brown's comments were about the most disingenuous that I have ever heard. Could he be more plastic? I don't think so. He looked like a robot, spitting out what he hopes are the right answers, and hoping no one asked him any difficult questions. I have lost faith in him after this affair.

Windy simply either doesn't get it, or doesn't wish to take sides beyond supporting Mike Brown, IMO. That is taking the easy way out. All of the other beat writers and sports writers in NEO will be weighing in on this situation and giving their $.02 inasmuch as they are able, but Windy just wants it to go away. Really spineless, Windy. But your good work record up to this point is your saving grace. I only hope you don't make a habbit out of supporting Mike Brown, because he may not be around past this season.

Frankly, I never saw a head coach whose job seemed to be on the line, even if he wins a championship, but that is Mike Brown.

Anyway, to close up, I'd like to thank most of you on RCF for showing class in this Z situation today, even if that has not been the manner in which it has been handled in the past. Frankly, I was ready to quit this board due to the Z-hate and all that implies (ignorance, no loyalty, flippant disregard for team history, etc.), but I have a renewed faith after today in most of you. Thank you all for speaking up and doing the right thing by the big man.

 

[Snarly]

So is Mike Malone ready to be a head coach?

I was thinking the same thing... Not that He should but he could be. I have read that Malone has the NBA smarts and understanding above even our own current coach Mike Brown. However I think this "struggle" for power Is getting annoying. Like I said earlier a ring will mean more than any of this drama. No ring and the way It looks goodbye MB hello New coach possibly Malone. I think Brown will go Before LeBron. I guess we will wait and see...

 

[Gimme Some Mo]

Just have to say this to get it off my chest.....

Mike Brown, you are a fucking idiot. You have to be the luckiest son of a bitch in the world to be so damn stupid and yet you are making millions to be LeBrons #1 fan. Dumb fucker just sits there and watches his assistants coach the games. It must be nice. They are paying you to sit front row and cheer on LeBron every night. I do not blame Z for being mad at all. I just do not understand why this guy is our head coach besides we don't want to fire our coach with LBJ's contract coming up and maybe LBJ likes having him as the coach because if Mike Brown is the "coach", then LeBron is the real coach.

End rant.


As far as Z memories go, its gotta be the Phoenix game and the ECF win. I was at the Phoenix game on Z bobble head night. It is one of the best games I have ever been to in my life. I think Nash missed 2 or 3 free throws in the last minute or so which allowed us to tie it. Unbelievable game.

 

[InBoobieWeTrust]

I think Z is pissed off by Mike Brown's initial response to him which was basically I'm the coach and I play who I play when I decide to play them. Then, once Mike Brown realized the extent to which this upset Lebron, the owner, and GM, he began backtracking and saying he was sorry, and it was a mistake.

Then I think the capper was, he feels MB was behind a false rumor that was floated to try and take the heat off the coach, that Z asked out of the game in the 2nd half. That was an outright lie, and that really upset Z.

Here's what really got me(I know everyone is infatuated and now thinks Mike Brown is on his way to the unemployment line after your last quote, but here's what caught my attention).

Z felt that MB was behind this rumor and that was what set an already pissed off Z? That's how I take this quote.

Well, I'm going to assume that isn't true(considering the first time MB was asked about that particular notion he denied it instantly and said that Z never said/did that).

It brings up a couple key questions(rhetorical for my purposes mainly)

Was MB's desire to reconcile the situation after getting heat from LeBron/Ferry/Gilbert because he was trying to appease them, or was it because they helped him realize how much that game meant to Z, and once he realized that he felt terrible and wanted to fix things?

Is this "rumor" the reason things spiraled out of control? Because if it is, that's silly...especially if it's because Z thinks MB was the one who started it when I assume it wasn't(although if it was, that's pretty bad on MB's part...but I doubt it).

That particular thing just caught my eye. If some stupid rumor is the reason that the situation got the the point it is at now where it is struggling to see closure and still involves some very angry people, that's just unfortunate.

 

[MoFlo]

Here's what really got me(I know everyone is infatuated and now thinks Mike Brown is on his way to the unemployment line after your last quote, but here's what caught my attention).

Z felt that MB was behind this rumor and that was what set an already pissed off Z? That's how I take this quote.

Well, I'm going to assume that isn't true(considering the first time MB was asked about that particular notion he denied it instantly and said that Z never said/did that).

It brings up a couple key questions(rhetorical for my purposes mainly)

Was MB's desire to reconcile the situation after getting heat from LeBron/Ferry/Gilbert because he was trying to appease them, or was it because they helped him realize how much that game meant to Z, and once he realized that he felt terrible and wanted to fix things?

Is this "rumor" the reason things spiraled out of control? Because if it is, that's silly...especially if it's because Z thinks MB was the one who started it when I assume it wasn't(although if it was, that's pretty bad on MB's part...but I doubt it).

That particular thing just caught my eye. If some stupid rumor is the reason that the situation got the the point it is at now where it is struggling to see closure and still involves some very angry people, that's just unfortunate.

What I got from it is a couple of things:

1.) The thing that really ticked Z off is Brown's basic original answer of "I'm the coach, he's the player, what I say goes."

2.) Z won't accept Brown's second response of saying it was a mistake, because he believes Brown was just saying that to get on LeBron, Gilbert, and Ferry's good side, which I don't blame Z at all for believing.

3.) Z doesn't necessarily think Brown started the rumor, but may have had something to do with it. Which is possible. Brown could easily say Z didn't say that to the media to make it look like he wasn't behind it or had nothing to do with it. Simple answer is: nobody knows who started it except maybe some people in the organization.