Cavs will keep Ilgauskas

CLEVELAND -- Days after the Cleveland Cavaliers made waves with a marquee free-agent signing, Zydrunas Ilgauskas reportedly has elected to remain with the club.

According to a report in Monday's Cleveland Plain Dealer, Ilgauskas will sign a five-year deal worth up to $60 million on July 22, the first day free agents can sign according to the NBA's collective bargaining agreement.

The report comes three days after the Cavaliers agreed to terms with guard Larry Hughes, one of the top prizes on the free-agent market after a stellar season with the Washington Wizards.

The 30-year-old Ilgauskas, who has played all seven of his seasons with Cleveland, averaged 16.9 points and 8.6 rebounds in 78 games last season. He led the NBA with 299 offensive rebounds, ranked sixth with 165 blocks and was selected to the Eastern Conference All-Star team for the second time in three years.

After suffering through myriad foot injuries early in his career, the 7-3, 260-pounder has been a constant presence in the middle for the Cavaliers. Ilgauskas has missed just six games over the last three seasons and has increased his minutes in each campaign.

In 413 career games, the Lithuania native has averaged 14.9 points and 7.7 rebounds.

CJ,

What are your thoughts on Z?

I think he is a solid player. If he stays healthy he is a weapon.

He isn't what I would consider a great defender, but he is adequate.

Offensively, he is a tough big man to defend.

I do think he is a bit overrated though. There really haven't been any great big men in the East and he has been far from dominant. At 7'3", he has never averaged 9 rebounds a game in his career.

Clip Joint said:

I think he is a solid player. If he stays healthy he is a weapon.

He isn't what I would consider a great defender, but he is adequate.

Offensively, he is a tough big man to defend.

I do think he is a bit overrated though. There really haven't been any great big men in the East and he has been far from dominant. At 7'3", he has never averaged 9 rebounds a game in his career.

Click to expand...

Totally agree here. He is a talent offensively. He can hit the jumper and has some nice moves close to the basket. However at his size, he is a little bit of a disapointment both on the glass and defensively. Not really sure if he is worth all that money. But I guess I will take it back to the Adonal Foyle comparison. If Foyle is making 7 million a year, I guess Zydrunas is worth what he is getting. Over here I am just hoping that the Heat re-sign Udonis Haslem. It should get interesting, as other teams will offer him more money than we will. Hopefully he takes less money to stay at home and play on a championship contender.

Most under rated big man in the game. He has a vendatta against me and goes out of his way to screw me. Despite this, I still respect his game. Hopefully, for the Cavs sake, he will stay healthy.

Mr Negative said:

Most under rated big man in the game.

Click to expand...

Under rated?

What a waste of money for a poor man's Rik Smits. I hope they didn't sign him to a long-term deal.