Zydrunas Ilgauskas

Big Z, Cavaliers career leader in blocked shots

Zydrunas Ilgauskas (born June 5, 1975) is a Lithuanian-born American former professional basketball player who played the center position. He played for the Cleveland Cavaliers from 1997 to 2010 and for the Miami Heat during the 2010–11 season. He was named to the 1997–98 All-Rookie First Team and is a two-time NBA All-Star.

Quick Facts

Born: 5 June 1975
Birthplace: Kaunas, Lithuania
Nationality: Lithuanian; American
Draft round: 1
Draft pick: 20
Drafted by: Cleveland Cavaliers
Career position: Center
Career number: 11

Lore & Background

Ilgauskas played in the 2007 NBA Finals as a member of the Cavaliers. He is known for his accurate jump shot, rebounding, and overcoming difficult injury challenges. Nicknamed Big Z, he is the Cavaliers' career leader in blocked shots; his jersey no. 11 has been retired by the team. In 2012, he joined the Cavaliers' front office as a special advisor.

Reader's Guide

Ilgauskas was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the 20th overall pick in the 1996 NBA draft. He spent the entire 1996–97 season on the injured list due to a broken bone in his right foot. He was named MVP of the Rookie Challenge and selected to the All-Rookie First Team in 1997–98. He signed a contract extension in 1998 worth $70.9 million over six years.

He played in only five games over the next two seasons. He regained the starting center spot in 2000–01 but was injured again in December 2000 and out for the season. He returned in December 2001 and was mostly a backup to Chris Mihm. He averaged 17.2 points and 7.5 rebounds in 2002–03 and was selected as an All-Star.

The Cavaliers drafted LeBron James in 2003. Ilgauskas was selected as an All-Star again in 2005. On July 12, 2005, he signed a contract extension worth over $55 million over five years. He was the starting center for the next four seasons, reaching the NBA Finals in 2007 and the Eastern Conference Finals in 2009.

In summer 2009, the Cavaliers acquired Shaquille O'Neal. On December 2, 2009, he broke the team record for career games played. On February 17, 2010, he was traded to the Washington Wizards as part of a three-team trade. The Wizards bought out his contract on February 25, 2010.

On March 23, 2010, he signed a one-year deal with the Cavaliers for the remainder of the 2009–10 season. The Cavaliers were eliminated by the Boston Celtics in the 2010 Eastern Conference semifinals. On July 17, 2010, he signed with the Miami Heat. The Heat made it to the 2011 NBA Finals but lost to the Dallas Mavericks. He announced his retirement in September 2011.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Zydrunas Ilgauskas?

He was a Lithuanian professional basketball player who served as an iconic starting center for the Cleveland Cavaliers for over a decade. Affectionately known as "Big Z," he wore jersey number 11 and holds the distinction of being the first international athlete to don the team's uniform at this level.

When did Zydrunas Ilgauskas play for the Cavaliers?

He spent the majority of his career with Cleveland from 1996 to 2003 before returning for a final stint from 2008 to 2010. His tenure connected the franchise's earlier years with its subsequent championship contention period.

What honors did Zydrunas Ilgauskas achieve?

Big Z was selected as an NBA All-Star twice in consecutive years during 2003 and 2004. These selections highlighted his status as one of the league's premier centers before his eventual retirement from professional basketball.