Cleveland Cavaliers great Zydrunas Ilgauskas has been named to HoopsHype's list of the top 50 European NBA players of all time. The two-time All-Star and franchise legend secured the number 21 spot on the ranking, which was compiled by Frank Urbina and published in August 2026. This recognition arrives as the current Cavaliers roster looks to rebound from a tough playoff exit, having lost their last five games including a 93-130 defeat to the New York Knicks on May 26, 2026.
Who is Zydrunas Ilgauskas?
Zydrunas Ilgauskas was the Cleveland Cavaliers' first-round pick in the 1997 NBA Draft. He spent nearly his entire career with the Cavs, playing 13 seasons in Cleveland. Ilgauskas was the starting center for the team that reached the 2007 NBA Finals. His number 11 jersey hangs in the rafters at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, a permanent tribute to his impact.
Big Z, as he was known, was a dominant force in the paint. He stood 7 feet 3 inches tall and used his size to become an elite rim protector. Ilgauskas also possessed one of the smoothest mid-range jump shots among big men of his era. He averaged 13.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game over his career, earning All-Star selections in 2003 and 2005.
Why does this ranking matter for the Cavaliers?
This honor solidifies Ilgauskas's place among the best international players to ever grace the NBA. For the Cavaliers franchise, it is a proud reminder of a foundational player from a key era. His career, though hampered by significant foot injuries early on, represents resilience and loyalty. Ilgauskas was a fan favorite whose consistent performance helped build competitive teams around a young LeBron James.
The ranking places the Lithuanian legend in elite company. He sits directly between Goran Dragic at number 20 and Ricky Rubio at number 22 on the HoopsHype list. This context shows how highly regarded his two-way skills were during his prime. For a franchise currently analyzing its squad and future, celebrating past greats provides a standard of excellence.
What was Ilgauskas's legacy in Cleveland?
Ilgauskas's legacy is defined by more than statistics. He was a pillar of stability during a transformative period for the Cavaliers. His ability to space the floor with his shooting was ahead of its time for a center. Defensively, his shot-blocking and rebounding anchored the team's interior for years. The injuries he overcame early in his career made his subsequent success and longevity even more impressive to Cleveland fans.
He remains the franchise's all-time leader in games played, blocks, and offensive rebounds. Those records highlight his durability and effectiveness. His jersey retirement in 2014 was a fitting capstone, and this new ranking adds another layer to his basketball resume. It reinforces that his contributions are valued on a global scale, not only locally.
How does this connect to the current Cavaliers?
While the current Cavaliers are focused on the present, history provides perspective. The team's recent form shows a 0-5 record in their last five contests, all losses. That tough stretch, culminating in the 37-point playoff loss to the Knicks, underscores the challenges of building a consistent winner. Honoring legends like Ilgauskas reminds everyone of the heights the organization can reach.
Today's players can look to his work ethic and skill development as a blueprint. As the front office evaluates stats and plans for upcoming seasons, the qualities Ilgauskas embodied - shooting, defense, leadership - remain highly sought after. His story is part of the fabric that makes the Cavaliers a historic NBA franchise, one now aiming to write its next successful chapter.
