The Giving Z
2010-02-17
For analysis of the Jamison trade, scroll down or click here.
Once there was a Z….
And he was drafted by a crappy team.
And every day the team would come
and he would score them baskets in the post
and find his teammates with sharp passes
and they would run the offense through him
and ask him to win games
and even after his feet were hurt
he came back
and he made the All-Star game.
And the team loved the Z
very much.
And the Z was happy.
But time went by.
And the team grew stronger.
And the Z was often not featured in its offensive game-plan.
Then one day the team came to the Z
and the Z said, “Come, team, feed me in the post and let me drain turnarounds and hook shots and benefit from my passing and rebounding and be happy.”
“We are too good to feed you in the post” said the team.
“We have a new player.
We need you to run the pick-and-roll and the fast-break and hit threes.
We want to build our offense around him and win games.”
“I’m sorry,” said the Z, “but I cannot explode to the basket or hit threes.
Take my 18-foot jumper, my passing out of the high post, and my rebounding.
Use me to defend the rim.
Then you will have a good team and be happy.”
And so the team put Z off the ball
and became an Eastern Conference contender
and won 66 games
and even went to the Finals once.
And the Z was happy.
But time went by.
And the team grew stronger.
And the Z was often outmatched when trying to defend Dwight Howard.
Then one day the team came to the Z
and the Z shook with joy
and he said, “Come, team, feed me in the post and set me up with mid-range jumpers and be happy.”
“We are too talented to feed you in the post and set you up with mid-range jumpers,” said the team.
“We have a new center,” they said.
“He is one of the best of all time,
and so we need a backup center.
Can you be a backup center?”
“I am not a backup center,” said the Z.
“I have started my whole career,
but you can take my minutes
and use my shooting next to Anderson Varejao
to create an effective forward tandem off the bench
and use my size against the Lakers and then you will be happy.”
And so the team used the Z off the bench
and saw his field goal percentage fall
but have the league’s best record at the All-Star break.
And the Z was happy.
But the team did not need him for a long time
and when they came back
the Z was so happy he could hardly speak.
“Come, team,” he whispered,
“use me to space the floor offensively.”
“We are too talented and deep to use you to space the floor,” said the team.
“We want a stretch four that could give our team its first championship. Can you be that stretch four?”
“Use my large expiring contract and trade for Antawn Jamison,” said the Z.
“Then you can have an effective frontcourt partner for Shaq…and be happy.”
And so the team used the Z’s expiring contract as a trade chip and added Antawn Jamison and made a run at the NBA Championship.
And the Z was happy…
But not really.
And after a league-mandated 30-day waiting period,
the team came back again.
“I am sorry, team,”
said the Z, “but I have little left to give you.”
“I have little lateral movement left, and have had trouble finding the net on my jump shots.”
“I wish that I could give you something…
but I have little left.
I am just an old 7-3 center capable of drawing opposing bigs outside the paint.
I am sorry…”
“We don’t need very much now,” said the team.
“Just a veteran to help team chemistry, help match up against bigger teams, and stretch the floor when Varejao or Jamison plays.
We are very talented.”
“Well,” said the Z, straightening himself up as much as he could, “an old center who is universally beloved is good for keeping the team happy and helping them match up against some tough playoff teams.
Come, team, sign me and sit me down on the bench and use me when you need me.”
And the team did.
And the Z was happy.
P.S. #1: Some basketball analysis has been tweaked to fit the poem.
P.S. #2: I really hope that last part comes true. In the grand scheme of things, I realize there are people more deserving of sympathy than a professional athlete making millions of dollars and possibly about to be bought out and receive another contract.
But Big Z’s devotion to this franchise and all he’s done for the team is one of the reasons we watch sports. In the silly world of sports that we spend so much of our time worrying about, Big Z not returning to the team he’s done so much for as they try to win their first championship would be a true tragedy. I know basketball’s a business, but that first banner wouldn’t feel quite right without Z. I’m not usually one for sentiment, but I’ll miss big Z, even if it’s just for 30 days.
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Cleveland has the best fans…big hearts! everyone has nothing but great things to say about Z…..it’s nice to read positive comments about the classiest man ever to wear a Cavs uniform.
As they say in the Olympics – you nailed it! Z deserves the ring and if the team can’t do it, he at least needs to be able to end his career here. The Cavs need to show loyalty to Z – let’s not be the franchise version of Boozer. Z’s number should be hanging from the rafters well before the other guy’s. If Austin is Mr. Cavalier, then Z is Mr. Cavalier #2.
This is the kind of piece that you finish reading and are just impacted.
I feel like I just watched the last scene of Forrest Gump all over again.
Just absolutely a beautiful comparison.
Great piece man… I believe you wrote that you go to war with Z, in previous years, and there’s not a better way to describe him.
I hope he comes back… doubtful he suits up for another team.
Jamison, though, is another player you go to war with, that I do think Z can be comfortable with the fact that it’s Jamison that is his temporary fill-in. I hope he can live up to his name and reputation.
I have a friend that knew a guy who used to live next to Z in the bad old days. Z was out with an injury at the time and his neighbor came up to him and asked him for an autograph for my friend. He said Z cracked a huge smile and looked like the happiest guy in the world right then. He said Z was feeling pretty down because he was hurt, and just one person caring enough to want his autograph meant a lot to him. That’s the kind of guy I think he is. He deserves… Read more »
Excellent column! I’ve been following the Cavs for over 20 years now. Zydrunas Ilgauskas is an all time Cavalier. He helped bridge the gap between the glory days of old with Nance, Price, Ehlo and Daugherty to the championship team we have now. While I realize NBA is a business first, it will be very sad do see Big Z in another uniform. I sincerely hope that he ends up a Cavalier with and NBA championship.
My favorite childhood book + my favorite basketball player of all time= me in tears
Big Z has been my man since I’ve followed basket ball. The mixture of “The Giving Tree” and basically how the entire city of Cleveland feels towards Z makes this post a work of art, as far as blogging goes. I hope we do get Z back. Earning a title without OUR signature big just won’t feel the same.
Wow man. I am a die hard Lakers fan and this one made me a little choked up. Love that book.
ZZZZZ!! see you in 30 days you tall goofy bastard;)
ZZZZZZZZZZ! CLEVELAND WANTS YOU BACK HOME…..YOU ARE WHAT THE CAVS ARE ALL ABOUT. CLASSIEST INDIVIDUAL OF ‘EM ALL! HE LOVES C-TOWN…THAT’S MORE THAN YOU CAN SAY ABOUT LEBRON…HE’LL BE GONE AFTER THIS SEASON. SO WHAT! ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!
Z can still be bought out. It’s all business and neither the Heat nor Jazz are going to be trading for Z based on his skills. It’s all because of his cap relief which means the same situation..buying him out saves that team even more money.
Windy’s reporting that the Wiz might be involved in a three way trade with Utah and Miami (looks like for Boozer) and that it’s possible Z could be traded again. Not sure how that would affect a buyout, but the Wiz would be a sure bet to buy Z out so I’m crossing my fingers that Z’s still with the Wiz at the trade deadline …
Wow. Really a fantastic piece. Like you, I am not one to mix sentiment with sport. That being said, it will not be the same so long as Z is not in a Cavaliers uniform. I hope they re-sign him. Then I hope they give him a front office job. I want this guy to be associated with this team as long as he’s willing to do it.
In all sincerity, this deserves a Pulitzer. There could not be a more perfect analogy than ‘the giving tree.’ Great writing, John. And it’s good to know I’m not the only one who felt uneasy about this trade… even if it does make the team better, and even if we do get Z back in 30 days. We’ve seen too many of our best players traded away in this town, even if this one has a happy ending (and there’s no reason to think it won’t), it kinda leaves a bad taste in the mouth. I’m glad to see in… Read more »
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope he comes back!
Great write! Z has been a strength for Cleveland long before James, Shaq and Ant. Resign and the cavs will win the NBA. Without, just another wantabe!
Look, I know I seem cold about the move, but I certainly hope Z makes it back to Cleveland. However, I’m not going to be crushed if he doesn’t, because just about everyone here wanted to make a trade knowing that Zs contract was going to be the center of any deal. We can’t act surprised and be angry if it doesn’t work out, because we were all asking for it to begin with. Ty Krolik for pointing out there are more serious places to place one’s pity than with an NBA player. If he never wins a title he… Read more »
Z is the man. What a true statement to this city all he’s done!
I don’t know what more I can add…excellent writing. The fact that this has twice as many comments as the Jamison post below it is a testament to how much we love Big Z.
Great job John! I certainly hope that Z makes it back to us.
When Z comes back for the final push it will be interesting to see who the odd man out will be. Right now Jawad is playing better than Jamario but can’t imagine Jamario would be out over Jawad.
I also like that we added a true point guard for some depth. Boobie can shoot that spot up but he is no point.
Wow! Great post. That and the comments certainly made my eyes red. I’m just a little too young to remember Jim Brown as a player, but you can put Z’s jersey next to Omar’s in my personal Cleveland sports hall of fame any day.
This is all-star sportswriting, John.
I’m sure LBJ saw this trade coming — he may have put Z in the puppet commercial to put a marker down to the L like, “Z is my guy. Waive him or else I will rain my hammers down upon you.”
Wondering what tonight’s preview will say about the lineup shuffle? This next month is tough going, and Mike Brown could probably use some advice.
love Big Z. wish him th ebest whatever he chooses, i will not begrudge him if he decides to go elsewhere. I know the Cavs had to do it, but it makes me sad to see him getting shipped off. After so many players left Cleveland for $, a guy who has been here forever….life sux sometimes
Whew. These past few days I thought I was the only one not feeling good about all the trading Z talk.
Good to know there are others who think of sports not just about business, but about people and a city with shared dreams. People including Z and his fans.
well done – i really liked this :)
If and when Z returns, i may not be there, but i hope the fans at the Q give him the loudest longest standing O in Cavs history.
Someone from the Plain dealer, maybe Terry Pluto wrote an article last year questioning whether Z should have his number retired here when he finally hangs it up. Maybe not in Boston, maybe not in Chicago, maybe not in NYC, but in Cleveland, it’s an automatic. What do we love in Cleveland? We love people who work hard no matter how crappy things get. We love people who are always genuine put the team first. We love people that take the crap life gives them and shoulder on, while thinking more about others than themselves. Z has done this his… Read more »
Amazing post. Z rules, and I hope he comes back too.
I hope Z isn’t too upset about this. I hope we can get him back. I hope he’s the FIRST person to hold that Championship Trophy over his head. and I hope we sign him again and give him more rings for his fingers and Championship banners to hang next to his number when we retire it.
Z’s been the most selfless athlete I’ve ever observed in my years and years of watching pro sports. He could have taken his guaranteed money and retired comfortably years ago after his foot injuries, but he didn’t. He fought back and earned everything the Cavs paid him. That, coupled with the personal tragedy that Z endured as a Cavalier, makes it tough to see him go. Though I’m confident he’ll be back. The Wiz will save so much money that they’d be silly not to buy him out, and though other teams are apparently interested in him, the Cavs have… Read more »
Nice.
I asked and recieved a Z bobblehead for christmas.
Thanks Z, see you soon.
While Z was a good player while he was here, he never brought a championship to Cleveland. i wish you well Z, but it’s time to move on and and see if other players can bring to Cleveland what you couldn’t.
See you big Z after your 30 day vacation and a fatter wallet.
Thank you for expressing this so well! Z and Shel Silverstein, it doesn’t get any better-
He deserves one of Mark Cuban’s comfortable chairs.
It is ridiculous that the NBA still allow this type of transactions.
It is a shameful very shameful transaction.
Dammit Krolik, this is the first time I’ve ever come close to tears reading an NBA article. I hate you. /sobs
can’t wait for Z’s return, it would cheapen a championship just a bit.
The Cavs have to bring Z back! They owe him that much.
Is the author of this piece serious! Enough with the feigned concern. Z will be back in 30 days. This is a 100% mortal lock. A slight inconvenience maybe; but Z will actually end up making more money after this move. If I told you, you can have a 30 day vacation from work, and that during that time you will make more money than you were before, you would be elated.
Mark it down, Z will be the first guy after Lebron touching he Larry O’Brien Trophy in June.
Poignant. And this is the first time I’ve ever had occassion to use that word in my life.
No way I can hold it together next time the puppet comes on the tube…
Second the above. Well done. Does anyone know how to reach Z? The fans of the city need to let him know how much we want him back and thank him for his sacrifices; how much we love him despite and because of his supporting role.
I think you put into words so well how the rest of us feel about Big Z. Thank you for this.
This was trully amazing. I like most people almost cried.I guess alot of times we loose perspective of the main things.When we say we gost Jamison for nothing we’re really saying is he was nothing. I hope he’s back.Just so he gets what he trully derseves.
Nice job John. I have not shed a tear over a sporting story since ’97, but this broke the streak.
as funny as that was it was i dont know what id do with out the big fella
Very good piece, I hope Z makes it back to Cleveland. It will definitely require him to swallow his pride (and his minutes). A couple of sources are mentioning Dallas as a potential home for Z, since they just lost Dampier for about a month. I don’t know that I see it though … once Dampier gets back, Z would be the #3 center there behind him and Haywood. He’d get some minutes for about a month, then he’d be in a situation no better than here and with worse championship odds. Can’t imagine his family would want to pick… Read more »
Great piece John.
Glad to see other Clevelanders are starting to become ashamed about trading Z. I doubt he’ll come back, you can only kick around the most loyal player in Cleveland history so many times.
Great stuff.
I have a strong feeling I’ll feel pretty dirty if Z doesn’t come back and we win it all. He deserves it more than Cleveland does.
Dude I’m about to start crying like that kid at the end of Shane.
Come Back, Z! Come back!
This is even better if you play some “Peanuts” piano music in the back of you head while you read it.
Silverstein FTW.
:-(
I’m not going to lie, I wiped away a tear under my right eye as I got towards the end. Very moving piece, John.
I can’t wait to see the ovation he receives in the third week of March. It will be deafening. And definitely one of the better moments in franchise history.
Now the Cavs have something more to play for, and the fans have something more to cheer for. 30 days without Z will make us realize how much we really do love the guy, and how much his career of injury setbacks and thankless hard work really speaks to Cleveland sports fans. The stories of Z and Jamison getting a shot at a championship after working hard all these years despite adversity is a fantastic parallel for the story of Cleveland sports. Lets raise one banner for the guys who are in the background when Michael Jordan hits “the shot”… Read more »
Z is one of the most inspirational figures in Cleveland sports history. I hope the folks in Washington do the right thing and send him home (similar to doing the right thing by sending Cortez to a winning franchise). If not he’ll be in the rafters one day.
I love you Z. I miss you. I can’t wait til you come home
Extremely well done, Z has to come back, he just has to. His jersey needs to be up in the rafters the second he retires
Amazing. Beautiful. Thank you John, for expressing our sentiments in a way I never dreamed possible. Now get some sleep, you and Windhorst definitely deserve it…
This nearly made me cry. If Z does get bought out, the response at the Q when he enters a game back will be incredible.
This was fantastic. I truly hope the Z will be happy.
This is incredible. I hope you dont mind but I posted it to facebook. (with credit due of course)
Loved the piece. “The Giving Tree” is one of my favorite Shel Silverstein stories.
I couldn’t agree more. The cavs will make absolutely certain that they get a ring on Z’s finger.
nicely done!
Big Z will be back…to pull the cord and raise the banner high in the Q
I don’t have the heart to try to sniffle sarcastically. I don’t even
*raises glass* A toast to Z!
(Wait, where did I get a drink? I’m not even 21…)
great post! one of your best ideas
John, you’ve brought me to tears…
Good stuff, Krolik. That’s definitely the first time I’ve seen Shel Silverstein on a basketball blog.
Thanks, John – amazing piece. I’ll miss him, too.
!##@!, John. Don’t do that. I was trying to pretend it didn’t bother me.
On the other hand, keep up the good work.