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Cavs won't allow Ilgauskas to play for Lithuania in Games

Associated Press

Updated: June 13, 2008, 4:21 PM ET

CLEVELAND -- LeBron James will be the only Cleveland Cavaliers player going to China with his national team this summer.

The Cavaliers have declined permission for center Zydrunas Ilgauskas to play for Lithuania in the Olympics.

Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry says Ilgauskas is a higher-risk player because of his injury history. The 7-foot-3 Ilgauskas was plagued by foot injuries early in his career and the Cavs are concerned about his lower back.

Ilgauskas needed permission to play because his contract is not fully insured.

"We declined consent for Zydrunas to play in the Olympics when he approached us several weeks ago, and in light of the inability to insure Zydrunas adequately, we continue to deny consent and will not permit Zydrunas to play in the 2008 Olympics as a member of the Lithuanian National Team," Ferry said in a statement.

Ilgauskas viewed the Beijing Olympics as his last chance to play for his country.

A message seeking comment was left Friday for Ilgauskas' agent, Herb Rudoy.




So I understand the Cavs want to stay on the safe side with Ilgauskas in regards to next season....but Z wants to play for his country one last time before he retires. Do you think he deserves to?

He deserves to, but the team paying him 20+ million in the next couple years has a big say too.

It's the Cavs' right to do this I suppose. Still, by making Z unhappy you risk poisoning his attitude for next season.

Z doesn't get an attitude...

LeBron probably denied the request as he is the Owner, President, GM, Coach and Leader of the squad...

Good call, LBJ...

L&H_05 wrote:Z doesn't get an attitude...

LeBron probably denied the request as he is the Owner, President, GM, Coach and Leader of the squad...

Good call, LBJ...

I'm not saying that he's going to start throwing tantrums and becoming a distraction. I'm saying that a move like this could zap his enthusiasm for the team.

It's not like it'll be a big difference maker. And he should try to stay as healthy as he can. I mean the Cavs without Lebron already suck. Imagine them without their second option.

Sometimes insurance won't cover it. I'd probably do the same thing because of his age and durability.

Is it still technically Z's choice to play? I'd imagine he can still play if he wants to, what would the consquenses be then?

I'm not saying Z will play or he should play (IMO he should). Just want to know if there are any set rules on this.

Undrafted Rook wrote:Is it still technically Z's choice to play? I'd imagine he can still play if he wants to, what would the consquenses be then?

I'm not saying Z will play or he should play (IMO he should). Just want to know if there are any set rules on this.

If he gets hurt the Cavs could void his contract. I doubt they would and Z ought to call there buff. Its what 10 games?? I would play. Z has enough money and if the Cavs void his contract he can just sign with another team. The Lakers could have voided Rads contract after his snowboarding incident but they kept him because they couldnt replace him. Same with Big Z IMHO...

bullzman23 wrote:-= original quote snipped =-



I'm not saying that he's going to start throwing tantrums and becoming a distraction. I'm saying that a move like this could zap his enthusiasm for the team.

I think it's like this... Danny Ferry and Zydrunas Ilgauskas are really good friends from their playing days together with the Cavs... Z had some pressure to play for the Lithuania team during the last olympics, but decided he didn't want to...

I think Ferry is doing his buddy a favor so he doesn't have to take the heat from his country about it...By stating he wants to, but isn't allowed, it's a little more easier on Z...

Undrafted Rook wrote:Is it still technically Z's choice to play? I'd imagine he can still play if he wants to, what would the consquenses be then?

I'm not saying Z will play or he should play (IMO he should). Just want to know if there are any set rules on this.

He sure can, as long as neither the NBA nor the Olympics are affiliated with FIBA.

i would let him play, its not like lithuania will play many games...

edfmx86 wrote:i would let him play, its not like lithuania will play many games...

It's the Principle, If LeBron is allowed to play for his country, Ilgauskas should be able to play for his.

Not fair. He should be allowed to play!

It's not many games, and I think Z knows to not push it too hard, and I don't think olympics are a much bigger risk than just working out in the summer. I'd let him play with the stipulation he or his country insure the contract. If he's willing to risk his own money or buy his own insurance, than let him at it.

a-rod wrote:-= original quote snipped =-


It's the Principle, If LeBron is allowed to play for his country, Ilgauskas should be able to play for his.

id love it if we held lebron out...can this be arranged with danny ferry?

L&H_05 wrote:-= original quote snipped =-

I think it's like this... Danny Ferry and Zydrunas Ilgauskas are really good friends from their playing days together with the Cavs... Z had some pressure to play for the Lithuania team during the last olympics, but decided he didn't want to...

I think Ferry is doing his buddy a favor so he doesn't have to take the heat from his country about it...By stating he wants to, but isn't allowed, it's a little more easier on Z...

Yup. Danny and Z have been great friends for years. My guess is Z requested the team to publically say he wasnt allowed to play so the pressure is off Z. From what Ive heard the team rejected all sorts of insurance offers from the Lithuanian team.... Why? Could be a number or reasons I suppose, but my guess is its on Z.

It's Z's decision only. He could play if he wanted to, however, he probably just asked the team to see if they have his backing.

dacher wrote:It's not many games, and I think Z knows to not push it too hard, and I don't think olympics are a much bigger risk than just working out in the summer. I'd let him play with the stipulation he or his country insure the contract. If he's willing to risk his own money or buy his own insurance, than let him at it.

Z doesn't work out during the summer.

Gordon Bombay wrote:-= original quote snipped =-



id love it if we held lebron out...can this be arranged with danny ferry?

Ferry: Lebron, I have a suggestion. How about if you skip....

Lebron: 2010

Ferry: NVM