Big Z makes it official, inks deal with Miami

by AncientMariner on Jul 17, 2010 5:18 PM CDT

Although we knew it was coming, and thus it should be anti-climactic, still there is going to be something bizarre come next season about seeing Zydrunas Ilgauskas playing in a uniform other than a Cavs'. When Z was traded to Washington last season, there was never any doubt that he was just treading water with the Wizards, and was never going to actually get court-time.

But now? Now we can count on seeing the long-time Cavalier in enemy uniform.

The big man has officially signed with the Heat, there to join LeBron James in Z's quest for just one ring as his career enters its twilight.

The dilemma now becomes: How to wish Z all the best in consort with James? Perhaps it is best to simply say...stay healthy Z, and let's hope that, sometime in mid-season, you are traded to the Lakers or some other team that also is a legitimate contender, so that, if and when you win your ring, it will not be in the shadow of LeBron.

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It’s like if Judas had gotten a bunch of the other disciples, including the fan favorite, to come along and then throw a big party.

by MadTown Hoops on Jul 17, 2010 7:25 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

At least Z has enough class not to go on ESPN for an hour to let everybody know what he’s doing…

by BirthTimes on Jul 17, 2010 7:33 PM CDT reply actions

LeBron should thank his lucky stars

because Ilgauskas is the only reason I’ll ever root for the Heat. I want Big Z to retire with a ring, and this is a good way for him to accomplish it.

I'm a diehard Cavs fan, proud to say I never owned a LeBron jersey.

by WaveOcean on Jul 17, 2010 8:52 PM CDT reply actions

Not enough of a reason for me.

Lots of great players retire without having won a championship.

I like Z, but I would have liked him even more if he had just finished up as a Cav.

Every pessimist thinks himself a realist. In the case of Cleveland sports fans, they are probably right.

by evereye3 on Jul 18, 2010 3:24 AM CDT up reply actions

I would want him to win a ring with ANY other team in the NBA...

Bar none. I’ll never root for the Nazgul, though. Now I’d just rather him retire without a ring.

I live in Cincinnati. I'm a fan of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Cincinnati sports teams. Besides UC, I'm a Xavier fan for basketball. I also like the Ohio State Buckeyes for all sports.

My name is Tyler. So I guess now you know about me.

by sexsalad on Jul 18, 2010 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions

the Nazgul?

sexsalad…dude…you’ve got SSR on the brain!

I'm a diehard Cavs fan, proud to say I never owned a LeBron jersey.

by WaveOcean on Jul 19, 2010 1:24 AM CDT up reply actions

I don’t think I’d bother to boo him, but I think it is cause not to retire his number.

It’s nice of Z to say Cleveland is still his home, but he should understand many of his neighbors will never look at him the same way.

Also, I don’t see Z getting many minutes as the season rolls on. The Heat will see him give up points in transition, he can’t pop out and shoot as quickly as he used to, and he isn’t a great defender.

by kingcrimson2 on Jul 18, 2010 2:09 PM CDT reply actions