Brian Windhorst, Beacon Journal sports writer writes, “Zydrunas Ilgauskas used to view season openers like plane landings: If he walked away, he was happy.
Nearly five years removed from his debilitating foot injuries, the Cavaliers center has become more of a sage. He’s married, has a new dog and is comfortable at the start of a rich five-year contract. In other words, he has his health, money and a best friend.
His contentment is only stunted by the fact he hasn’t been to the playoffs since he was a rookie, which is what he’s really thinking about as the Cavs head into their opener Wednesday night against the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets at Quicken Loans Arena.
“When I was young, the opener seemed like the end of the world to me,” Ilgauskas said. “Two hours later it was over and it was like, OK, now there’s six more months to go. So, for me, the anxiety is gone, but I think it is more intense.” For a complete look at his story click HERE