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Cavs won't allow Ilgauskas to play in Beijing Olympics[]

LeBron James will be the only Cleveland Cavaliers player going to China for the 2008 Olympics.

The Cavaliers have declined permission for center Zydrunas Ilgauskas to play for Lithuania (also known as LTU) Flag of Lithuania in the Olympics.

Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry said Ilgauskas is a higher-risk player because of his injury history. The 7-foot-3 Ilgauskas was plagued by foot injuries early in his career and the Cavs are concerned about his lower back.

Ilgauskas needed permission to play because his contract is not fully insured.

"We declined consent for Zydrunas to play in the Olympics when he approached us several weeks ago, and in light of the inability to insure Zydrunas adequately, we continue to deny consent and will not permit Zydrunas to play in the 2008 Olympics as a member of the Lithuanian National Team," Ferry said in a statement.

Ilgauskas viewed the Beijing Olympics as his last chance to play for his country.

A message seeking comment was left Friday for Ilgauskas' agent, Herb Rudoy.

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