Big Z Coming Back To Miami Next Season
MIAMI (CBSMiami.com) – He may have been the forgotten big man in the Miami Heat's rotation in the NBA Finals, but Zydrunas Ilgauskas knows a good thing when he sees it. Big Z has decided to exercise his player option and will return to the Heat's lineup next season.
Ilgauskas is nearing the end of his career, but has been a running mate with Heat star LeBron James since James entered the league with the Cleveland Cavaliers. After James signed with the Heat last off-season, Big Z followed suit and rejoined James with the Heat.
Ilgauskas averaged 5 points and 2.5 rebounds per game during the 2010-2011 season. He started 51 games throughout the year and averaged just under 16 minutes of playing time per game.
But, when the NBA Finals rolled around, Ilgauskas was relegated to the bench due to his declining speed. Still, 7'3" centers don't go on trees and he could be a good role player off the bench for the Heat next season.
