Zydrunas Ilgauskas honored on list of greatest European players

Most people who follow the Cavaliers know him simply as “Big Z.” The rest of the world knows him as Zydrunas Ilgauskas, and, not surprisingly, it remembers his play, too.

More specifically, Ilgauskas was included on HoopsHype’s list of the 50 greatest European basketball players ever, coming in at No. 21.

Ilgauskas is 7-foot-3 and spent the vast majority of his NBA career with the Cavs, compiling career averages of 13.0 points and 7.3 rebounds. He could score inside and out, block shots, grab rebounds, and has been called a favorite all-time teammate by no less than LeBron James. He made the All-Star team twice.

He also holds Cavs franchise records for blocked shots (1,269) and games played (771). Along the way, he overcame multiple foot surgeries that caused him to miss plenty of time early in his career. That included his entire rookie season (1996-97). He played all 82 the next.

HoopsHype summarized his ranking this way: “Zydrunas Ilgauskas was a unique big man thanks to his size and slender frame, but he was productive and effective in his role as a floor-spacing center who could block some shots on the defensive end. Truly one of a kind but a very effective player in his prime.”

As an aside, HoopsHype ranked its top five European players ever as Dirk Nowitzki, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, Pau Gasol and Tony Parker, respectively.

But without a doubt, it’s Big Z who will be remembered most in Cleveland.