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The Miami Heat announced today that they have signed free agent center Zydrunas Ilgauskas. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“As we continue to shape our roster, we have filled a key position with the addition of Zydrunas,” said Heat President Pat Riley. “He is a two-time All-Star, a proven rebounder, and a great shot blocker. His place in NBA history is already clear, and we are pleased to be able to add a seasoned veteran of his caliber to our roster.”
Ilgauskas has appeared in 771 career games (673 starts) with the Cleveland Cavaliers over 12 seasons. During his career, all with Cleveland, he has averaged 13.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.65 blocks, 1.2 assists and 28.3 minutes, while shooting 47.5 percent from the field and 78.0 percent from the foul line. Ilgauskas is a two-time NBA All-Star (2003 & 2005), and ranked first in Cavaliers history in both offensive rebounds (2,336) and blocks (1,269). His career totals in those same categories rank tied for 42nd place and 44th place in NBA history, respectively.
During the 2009-10 season, Ilgauskas averaged 7.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 20.9 minutes, while shooting 44.3 percent from the field in 64 games (six starts). He recorded double-figure points on 19 occassions and four double-digit rebound games.
Ilgauskas, who will wear #11 for the Heat, was originally selected with the 20th pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 1996 NBA Draft.
InsideHoops.com editor says: Big Z barely looked like he could walk by the end of last season, so I’m not sure how much this signing matters. Of course, even when Ilgauskas was younger and still very good, he tended to move as if his legs and feet were made out of cement. But still, I’m thinking he will provide good minutes off the bench for maybe 7-12 minutes per game.
