The issue of Zydrunas Ilgauskas and the Beijing Olympics was raised a bit earlier this season. Now that the year has come to an end, it looks like it is bubbling up once again.
You see, Ilgauskas is one of 14 players in the National Basketball Association that has a clause in his contract that requires permission from his respective team to play in International competition – a form of insurance, more or less.
You can understand why the Cavaliers would be hesitant to allow Ilgauskas to suit up for his native country of Lithuania. However, as the big man is 32 years of age, this would likely be his last chance to play for his country. Z has made it clear that he would like to play, and with his country petitioning the Cavaliers, you can bet it would be much appreciated.
I’m personally against the idea, but can understand the other side as well. It is a great honor to play for one’s country on a stage as large as the Olympics. However, given that he’s under contract with the Cavaliers, I also feel that the team should have some say. I’m actually surprised that only 14 players have said ‘insurance’ tacked on to their contracts. Remember what happened to Pau Gasol not all too long ago. The last thing that this Cavaliers team would need is an injured big man.
To be continued…