Full Court Press....Cavaliers share the love with Zydrunas Ilgauskas

by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Mar 3, 2010 4:32 AM CST in Cleveland Cavaliers in the News

The Cavaliers traded Zydrunas Ilgauskas on February 17 - then didn't speak to the team's all-time leader in games played, blocked shots and rebounds for over two weeks. While Z wa a member of the Washington Wizards, they couldn't. Once Ilgauskas cleared Waivers, the Cavaliers were sure to remind Z just how much he is appreciated and wanted in Cleveland.

Sources said Ferry met with Ilgauskas, who has been working out for the past week in New York, where he maintains an off-season home. It is believed Ferry made Ilgauskas an offer to re-sign with the team at that time.

Then on Tuesday, sources said, several of Ilgauskas' former and perhaps soon-to-be reunited teammates came to see him after the team flew into town for Wednesday's game against the New Jersey Nets.

There are some indications Ilgauskas could make his decision known very soon, perhaps as early as today.

None of this comes as much of a surprise, just like it will not be a shock when Z announces he is returning to the team. Still, showing a bit of love for Z, especially after the trade and subsequent two weeks that have passed since, is important. While some may feel there were deals in place, etc, there were not and giving Z any reason NOT to come back to Cleveland are foolish.

Once again, Danny Ferry, and the Cavaliers' players, have proven this is a great place to play.

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Comments

Season Of Destiny!..?

Things are starting to fall in place….aren’t they? Z coming back will bolster an already formidable lineup and give Cavs even more depth…I love it when a plan comes together!! Get ready for the run Cavs fans!!! It should be very very interesting…

by John Colagiovanni on Mar 3, 2010 7:46 AM CST reply actions

Believe me, I love Z – I really do – but I’ve heard about enough of how painful this must be for him. Seriously? The man has been able to stay in one place and make tens of millions of dollars, playing for a franchise that never gave up on him even when many fans did after his foot injuries. Yes, the nature of sports means you might be traded. But when this loyal franchise finally does trade you, it does so with the hope and possibility of bringing you immediately back (after a one-month break!)

He’s entitled to feel slighted. A little, but not a lot. Z will always be on the list of my favorite Cleveland athletes, and he is exactly the kind of player that the city loves to cheer. Perhaps some of this silliness is his agent posturing, but in the end, Z has had it really, really good. And now he gets to win a title with the franchise that gave him a chance — and then plenty of time to heal. Let’s get on with it, Z. There are real human beings suffering all over the world.

by tabler84 on Mar 3, 2010 1:45 PM CST reply actions