Miami Heat: Zydrunas Ilgauskas Fears His Safety in Return to Cleveland (Humor)

When the Miami Heat travel to Cleveland on Thursday night there is a big storyline. 

Big as in 7-foot, 3-inches big.

That's right, Heat center Zydrunas Ilgauskas makes his return to Cleveland.

"I'm scared," Ilgauskas said. "I got a lot of threats when I left here. These fans mean a lot to me, but there are some crazies out there. You know?"

To protect himself from fans Ilgauskas was forced to hire extra security. The Heat organization had to withhold their travel plans to protect their star center.

Ilgauskas spent his first 13 seasons as Cavalier before signing with Miami in the offseason.

Ilgauskas ruffled some feathers on his way out by making a big scene out of his departure, going as far as to call a press conference on CSPAN. 

"I didn't realize how big of a deal me leaving would be," Ilgauskas said. "But it was just time to take my talents to South Beach."

Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert had harsh words for Ilgauskas. 

"We don't say that name around here anymore. I've actually been working on annexing Lithuania just to get back at him," Gilbert said.

Cleveland fans felt similarly shafted by Ilgauskas's actions this offseason.

"If I see him in the street I'm kicking him in the shins," one fan said.

llgauskas, for his part, said he will try to tame his normal pregame routine to avoid angering fans.

"None of the usual throwing powder in the air from the scorers table tonight. That's for sure!" Ilgauskas said as he finished the interview.