Zydrunas Ilgauskas

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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.

In Their Own Story

On December 2, 2009, a pivotal moment occurred when Ilgauskas came off the bench against the Phoenix Suns to break the team record for career games played, surpassing then-general manager Danny Ferry. Later that season, he was traded to the Washington Wizards but was bought out and did not play for them. He returned to Cleveland on March 23, 2010, signing a one-year deal and making his emotional comeback a day later against the New Orleans Hornets. During his first home game back against the Sacramento Kings, Quicken Loans Arena was affectionately renamed "The Z" in his honor, filled with huge ovations from the crowd. Although he saw limited action in the 2010 playoffs, averaging just 1.7 points and 1.6 rebounds, his return symbolized enduring loyalty to the franchise that drafted him.

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.

Did You Know?

• Ilgauskas is the Cavaliers' career leader in blocked shots.
• His jersey number 11 was retired by the Cavaliers on March 8, 2014.
• He was nicknamed 'Big Z'.
• He played in the 2007 NBA Finals with the Cavaliers.