Chris Tomasson of the Akron Beacon Journal reports: Cavaliers center Zydrunas Ilgauskas believes he's ready to play. Head coach John Lucas wants him to play. But apparently there is someone in Chicago who carries more clout.

Herb Rudoy, Ilgauskas' agent, said yesterday he was the driving force behind the decision to have Ilgauskas not play until at least mid-December as he recovers from foot surgery last February.

``I wanted him to wait,'' Rudoy said. ``I've had this plan since the surgery. I'm the one that wants him to be real cautious. I can tell you that it's not (Cavaliers) management, it's me. I have a very close relationship with Zydrunas. I'm really encouraging him to take his time. ''

``Mid-December has been our target for a long time for giving him the best chance to succeed,'' Rudoy said. ``Gordon Gund (the Cavs owner) and Jim Paxson have been on board with that. I'm hopeful he's going to be ready to play Dec. 15.''