Do you think he would have been one of most dominant big man if he didnt injured his knee during his early years in the NBA? He was faster and can jump before he got injured.
I don't think Z has the mind-set to be dominant. He's just too soft. It was no different before his injury problems.
He can be asset in the right situation. He just slows the game down too much. Imo, the Cavs should use their athletes (Bron, Gooden, Hughes, Gibson) to push the ball.
He's too slow, not athletic enough and not gifted enough to be even considering him for dominance. Even before his apparent injures, what was he getting you exactly? 2-3 extra points and 1-2 extra rebounds. Blocks are the same because he's so damn tall and everything else only takes a little dip. Again, He's just not the kind of player that has the dominance potential.
It's hard not to like the guy. He could always shoot and had a little more explosiveness back then. The difference is not huge and he is the kind of guy that shouldn't decline too much the next few years because he always plays at a certain speed and is money on the 12-15 footer. He dsoesnt even jump for those put backs either so he should be fine.
I don't always like the way he plays, but I have heard he is a real stand-up guy. I know some people that have met him in bars around Cleveland. Everyone says that he is the nicest guy that you would ever want to meet.
He has had to overcome obstacles that would've causes most guys to just say "f uck it" and retire years ago. I still hear about him being "injury prone" but he has been healthy since 2001, only missing games for minor reasons.
He has also had to overcome bouts with insomnia and the fact that his wife gave birth to stillborn twins.
Z is a very quiet guy, somewhat gangly and very unathletic looking. Those factors have kept him from being noticed more.
Also, as the longest tenured member of the team, my first though when they won the EC was directed towards Z. He played on some dreadful teams, and I was happy that he finally had this opportunity.
I was of the opinion he sucked quite hard, because in the past he did quite often, especially against good teams in the playoffs. Not sure I want to change my mind cos of 2 playoff series, but I will say he is a good offensive rebounder, and he will make open shots consistently.
Big Z
