http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_y...slug=ap-cavaliers-ilgauskas&prov=ap&type=lgns Interesting. Z and Lebron both kind of upset at the fact that the team didn't get Z into their last game against the Mavs because Z was about to set a record for most games played by a Cavs player. Mike Brown said he did so because the tempo and matchup favored going small. So, Shaq played 25 mins and Z sat the whole game. I can see both side of the argument. The coach gets paid to try and win each game. Then again, I don't think it would have killed the team to give Z some burn (perhaps some of Shaq's minutes). I think while questioning the coach, Lebron James showed quite a bit of maturity and concern for a long time teammate and friend. James said what he said, but not in a malicious way. I think Brown handled it the right way, too. The article also mentions that Z is considering retirement after the season. I think he's got a bit more tread left on those tires. In any case, a guy who had that kind of injury history in his youth about to set a record for most games played in franchise history is a good story.
If he did play or did not play is not a big deal since they won the game. He will play in another game and set his record, what's the BIG DEAL?!
Zadrunas should of played IMO. His height would of bothered the Mavs since their center is Drew Gooden. I don't see why the Cavs have to adjust to the Mavs. It should of been the other way around. The Lakers wouldn't adjust their size to play a team like Golden State now would they?
I don't see why this is a big deal. It's not like Z had a long streak going, or that he'll never get to play another Cavs game.
I am guessing Z was really looking forward to getting an ovation from the home crowd for his services. No, he'll get the record, most likely in the next game, but it's not totally suprising that a player who is nearing the end of his career gets a little sentimental. A coach, particularly one who has been with him for years, probably should have been a little more sensitive about it. It's not like Z is some kind of childish trouble maker or pouting rookie or anything. He is the guy with most years with the franchise, who went through the tough times before the coach (and Lebron James) arrived.
Upon hearing the news, Daryl Morey announced that the Rockets will be retiring Z's jersey and Yao Ming will give up #11 during a ceremony to be held when the Cavs visit the Toyota Center later this season.
He won't now since he has been called out by the Golden Child . If Golden Child gets angry, then he will leave Cleveland.
Not a Brown fan, and not sure if sitting Z was a good strategy, but I agree with durvasa. Why fuss about the record? He's gonna get it sooner or later.
Ilgauskas was reportedly devastated by the decision, as he had a number of family and friends in attendance Probably a big deal to him since he was probably all prepared for the big night I guess. He was probably losing sleep over it and practicing how to shed tears on the fly . I don't see a point in not playing him and Brown probably knew he had friends and family in the arena as well maybe?
I was going to say "it's not a big deal" either, but this makes a lot of sense. Mike Brown probably didn't know Z had family in attendance, but hopefully they'll be there for his next home game.
The point is why would Brown do something like that? That's like giving your kid his present a day after his b-day A single game is around 48+ mins...surely Brown could find at least 2-3 mins for Ilgauskaus to strut his stuff? Brown is just an idiot. Probably didn't know of Ilgauskaus' record at the time. Considering it meant a lot to Big Z, he probably had friends and family in attendance as well. hell they probably had plans to eat out somewhere after the game...
