Ilgauskas's early years in the NBA were marred by injuries, particularly to his feet, which threatened to derail his career before it truly began. Despite these setbacks, he persevered and made his NBA debut in the 1997-1998 season. His rookie year was impressive, earning him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team. However, the following seasons were challenging as he underwent multiple surgeries, causing him to miss significant playing time.
By the 2002-2003 season, Ilgauskas had overcome his injury woes and established himself as a reliable center for the Cavaliers. His ability to score, rebound, and block shots made him a valuable asset to the team. During this period, he was selected to participate in the NBA All-Star Game in 2003 and again in 2005, highlighting his status as one of the league's top centers.
Ilgauskas's tenure with the Cavaliers coincided with the arrival of LeBron James in 2003. Together, they formed a formidable duo that led the team to multiple playoff appearances. The 2006-2007 season was particularly memorable, as the Cavaliers reached the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history. Although they were ultimately defeated by the San Antonio Spurs, Ilgauskas's performance throughout the playoffs was commendable.
In 2010, after 12 seasons with the Cavaliers, Ilgauskas signed with the Miami Heat. This move reunited him with LeBron James, who had also joined the Heat. Ilgauskas played a supporting role on a team that featured other stars like Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. The Heat reached the NBA Finals in 2011, but fell to the Dallas Mavericks.
Following the 2010-2011 season, Ilgauskas decided to retire from professional basketball. His career spanned over a decade, during which he became the Cavaliers' all-time leader in several statistical categories, including blocks and offensive rebounds. In recognition of his contributions to the team, the Cavaliers retired his jersey number 11 in 2014.
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