Miami Heat centre Zydrunas Ilgauskas retires: A look back at his time in NBA (Part 2)
In the 2001-02 season, Zydrunas Ilgauskas came back, but was used mostly as a role player. The next season however turned out to be the highlight of his career. That season, Ilgauskas finished with a career high 17.2 points and 7.5 rebounds. However, those were tough times for the Cleveland Cavaliers and even with their Lithuanian giant in full flow; the Cavs sunk to their worst season since 1982’s nightmarish season.
However, the 02-03 slump paid off in the shape of LeBron James. From there, began an era of dominance that transformed the Cavs from one the ‘also rans’ into genuine championship contenders.
With James by his side, Ilgauskas started to perform more consistently. He emerged as a threat on the low post and was also effective in aiding James on the glass, in the years that followed. His performances earned him two All-Star appearances and made Cavs one of the best defensive sides in the league.
By the 09-10 season however, Ilgauskas started to lose steam and managed only 7.4 points and 5.4 rebounds. He was traded to the Washington Wizards in February 2010. Ilgauskas never played for the Wizards though and bought out his contract to become a free agent.
In 2010, he was offered a one year contract by Miami heat which he accepted. LeBron James had a massive influence in his decision to join the team as both had developed a significant chemistry playing for Cleveland for a long time. Zydrunas was the only player early last season, who received an ovation from Miami fans when he made his debut.
Unfortunately, his only season with Miami was a disappointment as he failed to make an impact and ended the season with a poor average of 5.0 points per game. He started the season on a good note but lost his way in the middle and again it was his left foot that let him down. He missed the playoffs and the finals and that perhaps sealed his fate.
This summer, he was again offered a contract by Cavaliers but having made up his mind to retire earlier he declined the contract.
Most people will remember Zydrunas as a Cleveland centre, who served the team with loyalty for twelve years but the low profile player is way beyond what his numbers say. People will do good to realize his fighting spirit and his intangible achievements. His stats might not be that impressive but his presence was always an important asset to the Cavaliers and to some extent, for Heat.
Now, he retires with only one thing missing from his resume – the NBA Championship. Had he played for a team other than Cavs that might not have been the case. However, even without a ring, the big Lithuanian enchanted all during his time.
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