CLEVELAND – The Cavaliers are retiring the jersey of former center Zydrunas Ilgauskas, the team's career leader in games and rebounds.
Ilgauskas' No. 11 jersey will be raised to the rafters of Quicken Loans Arena on March 8, when the Cavs host the New York Knicks. The popular Ilgauskas, known simply as "Z'' to Cleveland fans, played 12 seasons with Cleveland.
The 7-foot-3 Lithuanian was drafted by the Cavs in 1996. A two-time All-Star, Ilgauskas has the second-most blocks and points in team history. He overcame numerous foot injuries early in his career and was a major contributor on Cleveland playoff teams, including the one that made the NBA Finals in 2007.
Ilgauskas currently works as a special assistant to Cavs general manager Chris Grant. He says he's humbled by the honor and feels "very fortunate to play here, work here and call Cleveland home."
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