Zydrunas Ilgauskas - Player File

[Karma]

This is a weekly breakdown of the 2004-05 Cleveland Cavalier playing roster. Each week we will discuss a new player in alphabetical order. I will add a series of questions so we keep it in an orderly fashion.

Zydrunas Ilgauskas #11
Position : Center
Height: 7-3
Weight: 260
Years Pro : 7
Born: Jun 5, 1975 - Kaunas, Lithuania
College: None
Draft: 1996 - 1st round (20th overall) by the Cleveland Cavaliers Contract Situation : Free Agent

Season Stats
16.9ppg, 8.6rpg, 2.1bpg, 1.3apg, 46.8%fg, 80%ft, Eff = +19.19

NBA League Leading Stats
* Ranks #19 in the NBA in Rebounds Per Game(8.6)
* Ranks #8 in the NBA in Blocks Per Game(2.12)
* Ranks #17 in the NBA in Free Throws(402.0)
* Ranks #18 in the NBA in Free Throw Attempts(503.0)
* Ranks #1 in the NBA in Offensive Rebounds(299.0)
* Ranks #2 in the NBA in Offensive Rebounds Per Game(3.8)
* Ranks #6 in the NBA in Blocks(165.0)
* Ranks #13 in the NBA in Free Throws Per 48 Minutes(7.38)
* Ranks #15 in the NBA in Free Throw Attempts Per 48 Minutes(9.23)
* Ranks #8 in the NBA in Offensive Rebounds Per 48 Minutes(5.5)
* Ranks #17 in the NBA in Blocks Per 48 Minutes(3.03)

Season Highs
35 points, 17 FT's, 18 rebounds (3 times), 5 assists, 5 steals, 7 blocks

Please fill in the Gaps

Do you see Zydrunas Ilgauskas in a Cavalier uniform next season and why?

Did Zydrunas Ilgauskas reach your expectations this season?

What did you like out of Zydrunas Ilgauskas this season?

What didn't you like out of Zydrunas Ilgauskas this season?

Was Zydrunas Ilgauskas given a decent oppotunity this season?

Rate Zydrunas Ilgauskas out of 10. 1 for bad, 10 for great.

A few last words on Zydrunas Ilgauskas.............................

 

[CleveRocks]

Do you see Zydrunas Ilgauskas in a Cavalier uniform next season and why? It is a money question. I think it is 50/50

Did Zydrunas Ilgauskas reach your expectations this season? No, but they were very high. And they should be high for one of the NBA's premiere centers.

What did you like out of Zydrunas Ilgauskas this season? Offensively he was very good against Shaq and at times when it was needed. He also played solid defense, blocking and rebounding when he was "on" He put his issues with Silas behind him and played team ball. best moment was the last second trey.

What didn't you like out of Zydrunas Ilgauskas this season? Personally, I don't think he was in great shape coming in. The guy is moving into a new phase in life (just married) and seemed to lose the edge. He was generally terrible in the second of back to back games, and not particularly good on the road.

Was Zydrunas Ilgauskas given a decent oppotunity this season? of course

Rate Zydrunas Ilgauskas out of 10. 1 for bad, 10 for great. As a center he is an 8 on pure ability and size. but gets a 6 for effort preseason and for insconsistent play.

A few last words on Zydrunas Ilgauskas............................. I like Z, I hope he is here when Lebron wins the first ring, but I don't think he wants to remain. He is one of the few centers who can really give Shaq trouble in that position (Shaq is still the best in the NBA). I hope Z appreciates the support he got in Cleveland when New York turns on him.


__________________

 

[Karma]

Do you see Zydrunas Ilgauskas in a Cavalier uniform next season and why?
Tough question. As a huge fan of both the Cavalier's and Ilgauskas, I hope they can come to an agreement and Big Z is resigned. To me, that is sanity prevailing.

Did Zydrunas Ilgauskas reach your expectations this season?
Yes. He continued to give the Cavaliers a potent presense at both ends of the floor. His tremendous touch opened the floor for LeBron, as did the attention he took away from his teamates.

What did you like out of Zydrunas Ilgauskas this season?
That he again proved to all the knockers that he is a top 3 center in the NBA by making his 2nd all star team. A tremendous feat after what he has been through. Z's ability to knock down his shots, offensively rebound, block and deter shots, create space for his team mates by drawing in double and triple teams and the way he created foul trouble for the opposition.

What didn't you like out of Zydrunas Ilgauskas this season?
Foul trouble.

Was Zydrunas Ilgauskas given a decent oppotunity this season?
He was given good minutes. The way the minutes were spaced was horrific. Why the hell a 7'3 center was forced to play his minutes in big segments is beyond me. Particulary when you have to remember he had to chase around opposition point guards due to McInnis's non existent defense. These things combined for a tired center down the stretch.

Rate Zydrunas Ilgauskas out of 10. 1 for bad, 10 for great.
8 / 10. His presense alone gives him 5. His talents on top of that makes him easily our best player not named LeBron.

A few last words on Zydrunas Ilgauskas.............................
The most disrespected elite positional player in recent memory amoungst fans. He is such a huge factor for this franchise, but some people are quick in wanting to wash their hands of him. Ilgauskas creates so many mismatches for the Cavalier's which creates many oppotunities for other players. With some help from the perimeter Z will be able to defensively concentrate on his own man on defense and blocking out. Whilst a shooter on the floor will allow Ilgauskas space finally to operate in the paint. Lets hope for common sense and Zydrunas Ilgauskas retires a Cavalier.

 

[Dungong]

Do you see Zydrunas Ilgauskas in a Cavalier uniform next season and why?

I'm going to say no. He's asking for too much for Gilbert to keep him, and if we dont pick him up theres probably $12 million more to sign people with this season. Gilbert isn't too hesitant to make changes and everyone on the team seems resigned to the fact that Z is going to go.

Did Zydrunas Ilgauskas reach your expectations this season?

This guy was monster when he was on. He showed way more hustle and everything than I thought those feet could do. Proved to be one of the best shooters on the team. Also I think an underrated post defender, he showed this season that he was a shot blocker. And man, a self tip machine even though he cant jump

What did you like out of Zydrunas Ilgauskas this season?

The stuff above, but what sticks out is a certain 3 pointer at the end of regulation against the Suns.

What didn't you like out of Zydrunas Ilgauskas this season?

He was really turnover prone, but he seemed to correct that as the season went on. There were a couple weeks where he was playing nearly perfect ball. But he got overplayed and tired out there too

Was Zydrunas Ilgauskas given a decent oppotunity this season?

yup

Rate Zydrunas Ilgauskas out of 10. 1 for bad, 10 for great.

He gets an 8. Awesome job this season, but got too tired and injured at the end

A few last words on Zydrunas Ilgauskas.............................

Where this team appears to be going, I dont think we see him in a Cavs uni next year.

 

[_CavsFan23_]

Do you see Zydrunas Ilgauskas in a Cavalier uniform next season and why?

Probably not, for the offseason, there will be alot more oppurtunities to get a better Center, and with our money, we can replace Z... But if we can keep him, i'd take him for a few more years.. .

Did Zydrunas Ilgauskas reach your expectations this season?

Yes he did, he was averaging 17/8, and when you see his before years, he was always improving... I noticed that he was #1 on the Offensive Glass, which was great for Z.


What did you like out of Zydrunas Ilgauskas this season?

Just being agressive, getting all over the floor for a rebound, doing the smart pass, just hustling.

What didn't you like out of Zydrunas Ilgauskas this season?

When hes off, he still continue to shoots which is bad, and not being tough enough to slam it down, dont go for the layup son, DO THE DUNK!

Was Zydrunas Ilgauskas given a decent oppotunity this season?

Heck ya, he had his chance, and he used it well, props to Z.

Rate Zydrunas Ilgauskas out of 10. 1 for bad, 10 for great.

Well, hes not that good to get a 9, but an 8 just seems not good enough, so an 8.5/10. He's had a great year, and hopefully it wont be his last .

A few last words on Zydrunas Ilgauskas.............................


"ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ"

 

[King]

Do you see Zydrunas Ilgauskas in a Cavalier uniform next season and why?
With all the rumors about him leaving, I still think hes gonna be in a cavs uni next season. I think that he will be able to work it out with the front office and LeBron publicly stating he wants him back helps.

Did Zydrunas Ilgauskas reach your expectations this season?
Ya. He pretty much did everything I was expecting out of him this season.

What did you like out of Zydrunas Ilgauskas this season?
His scoring, offensive rebounding, and his ability to take pressure off of other players with the attention he commansds.

What didn't you like out of Zydrunas Ilgauskas this season?
He was a little inconsistent for some stretches of the year. His defense remains average, he commited a lot of TO's, and he shot a low %.

Was Zydrunas Ilgauskas given a decent oppotunity this season?
I think so.

Rate Zydrunas Ilgauskas out of 10. 1 for bad, 10 for great.
8

A few last words on Zydrunas Ilgauskas.............................
He's a big offensive presence for us. The attention he gets on offense opens up a lot of opportunities for his teammates. I think he is really gonna be missed if he is gone.

 

[Kypus]

Do you see Zydrunas Ilgauskas in a Cavalier uniform next season and why? 70/30 Z will not be back, it seems less and less likely every month. Not a single piece left from his "formative age" time with the team. Gordon Gund was the main reason he could have resigned... does anyone know what Gordon does now as a minority owner? I don't think Gilbert is high on Z, at all.

Did Zydrunas Ilgauskas reach your expectations this season? Yes, he pretty much did what Z does. He's only 30-ish but his legs are 35-ish and he's not getting any younger.

What did you like out of Zydrunas Ilgauskas this season? Low post threat, his "shock and awe" spin moves that confuse opposing centers, rebounding/blocks OK, runs well enough, his 12 foot jump shot. Great to see him do well in the All Star game.

What didn't you like out of Zydrunas Ilgauskas this season? Lack of communication on the floor, although this was teamwide problem. General lack of leadership for being an elder statesman, but that's never been his strong suite.

Was Zydrunas Ilgauskas given a decent oppotunity this season? Yes.

Rate Zydrunas Ilgauskas out of 10. 1 for bad, 10 for great. 7.

A few last words on Zydrunas Ilgauskas....................... Oh Captain, my Captain...It would be great to see Z and a shooter in the lineup next year. If we can't get a great shooter, I'd rather see Z go to a playoff team and get some playoff accolades before he retires. I'd like to see what can do in a "non-rebuilding" environment, wouldn't you?

 

[aaronr]

Do you see Zydrunas Ilgauskas in a Cavalier uniform next season and why?

Yes, because Lebron wants him back and Z won't be a pig when push comes to shove.

Did Zydrunas Ilgauskas reach your expectations this season?

Yes, he was a good but not great center, just like last year and hopefully just like next year.

What did you like out of Zydrunas Ilgauskas this season?

shot-blocking and free-throw shooting were better than usual

What didn't you like out of Zydrunas Ilgauskas this season?

his defense of the pick and roll

Was Zydrunas Ilgauskas given a decent oppotunity this season?

Yes.

Rate Zydrunas Ilgauskas out of 10. 1 for bad, 10 for great.

7.5, a B on my grading scale.

A few last words on Zydrunas Ilgauskas.............................[/QUOTE]

He isn't going to get any better at this stage of the game, but at the same time I think he could play at his current level for three more years. I'd give him a three-year contract starting at 9 millon with a team option for the fourth.

 

[Glen Infante]

Do you see Zydrunas Ilgauskas in a Cavalier uniform next season and why?

I honestly don't know.

Did Zydrunas Ilgauskas reach your expectations this season?

Yes, he is rather constant with his overall numbers year after year.

What did you like out of Zydrunas Ilgauskas this season?

I like his mid-range game, and I like the fact that he can score almost at will under the post. He draws alot of fouls and that is something very valuable, especially when facing against teams with excellent post players.

What didn't you like out of Zydrunas Ilgauskas this season?

His insomnia problem. His lack of sleep made him look lazy on the court, which lead to poor outings on alot of nights.

Was Zydrunas Ilgauskas given a decent oppotunity this season?

Yes

Rate Zydrunas Ilgauskas out of 10. 1 for bad, 10 for great.

I'd go with 8. If he was more consistant through out the entire 82 games, I would have rated him slightly above 9.

A few last words on Zydrunas Ilgauskas.............................

There's mixed feelings about Zydrunas. His asking price is fairly much, and I really want Ray Allen this season. I would actually be pretty sad if Zydrunas signed elsewhere. I watched Z since he was drafted here along with Potapenko. Lots of good memories when he was a young quick center. The wrap around drive with the jam will be my all time favorite memory of Zydrunas Ilgauskas.

 

[Marty Mar]

Do you see Zydrunas Ilgauskas in a Cavalier uniform next season and why?

Nope. Lets push for Ray Allen.

Did Zydrunas Ilgauskas reach your expectations this season?

I expected him to average the same thing he averaged last season, and he did. I guess he did reach them.

What did you like out of Zydrunas Ilgauskas this season?

i liked the fact that he is the best damned offensive rebounder in the league. and he also blocked shots like a madman.

What didn't you like out of Zydrunas Ilgauskas this season?

He's lazy. He's slow.

Was Zydrunas Ilgauskas given a decent oppotunity this season?

yes

Rate Zydrunas Ilgauskas out of 10. 1 for bad, 10 for great.

7

A few last words on Zydrunas Ilgauskas.............................

Z, it's been great to have you here. But it is time we move along. I'm sorry, but I definatly want Ray Allen here next season and there is no room for the both of you.

 

[The Disector]

Do you see Zydrunas Ilgauskas in a Cavalier uniform next season and why?
I doubt it because he is asking for a larger contract then what ownership and I believe he is worth.

Did Zydrunas Ilgauskas reach your expectations this season?
I didn't really have any expectations for Z.

What did you like out of Zydrunas Ilgauskas this season?
His ability to offensive rebound.

What didn't you like out of Zydrunas Ilgauskas this season?
His inability to defend the pick and roll and transition game.
The fact he was inconsistent and very slow. Possibly the slowest player in the NBA.

Was Zydrunas Ilgauskas given a decent oppotunity this season?
Obviously yes. He was the starting center.

Rate Zydrunas Ilgauskas out of 10. 1 for bad, 10 for great.
7.5 Not great, not bad but not worth 11-14 million.

A few last words on Zydrunas Ilgauskas.............................
I wish Z could be the player he was before the surgeries and take this team to the next level but that is not the case. The injuries have made him a one dimensional player. If his shot is off he is a liability on the court which is a big reason why I won't be doing the crying alot of Cavs fans will if he's not here next year!