When the Cleveland Cavaliers traded Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics last summer, the spotlight naturally focused on Isaiah Thomas and Jae Crowder. But quietly included in that same deal was a lesser-known name—Ante Žižić. At the time, many saw him as a throw-in, a minor piece in a blockbuster trade. Yet as time has passed, Žižić has begun proving he’s far more than a footnote. Fans following player development and game-by-game stats on Cricket Exchange have started to take notice.
Against the Milwaukee Bucks—arguably one of the most athletic teams in the league with their wingspan-heavy roster—Žižić made his presence felt. Despite being outmatched in speed, his court awareness and instincts around the rim earned him multiple scoring opportunities. With less than 11 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Žižić cut to the basket and drew a foul even after missing the layup, showing both hustle and composure.
In just 17 minutes of action, he shot 6 times and made 4, totaling 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 block—a solid and efficient performance. His movement in the paint and scoring touch already appear to surpass former Cavaliers center Timofey Mozgov. If given consistent minutes, Žižić has the tools to become a key contributor for Cleveland. Cricket Exchange has highlighted his statistical growth in recent weeks, reflecting his increasing confidence and value on the court.
In the final minute of the first quarter, after a missed layup by LeBron James, Žižić leapt in quickly and tipped the ball back in, earning applause from the bench. By halftime, he had already recorded 8 points and 4 rebounds, including 3 on the offensive glass. Although a fumbled pass from James in the third quarter led to a missed opportunity, LeBron didn’t lose trust. On the next possession, they connected again through a pick-and-roll, resulting in a strong finish and a foul drawn on the Bucks.
Interestingly, while Thomas and Crowder were both traded away by the deadline, Žižić remained with the Cavaliers. This unexpected turn gave him more chances to shine. And to his credit, he has embraced every moment, doing his best to contribute on both ends of the floor. His recent performance is not just good news for the Cavaliers, but also a hot topic on Cricket Exchange, where fans are watching his growth game by game.
As the season continues, all eyes—including those on Cricket Exchange—will be on Žižić to see whether this once-overlooked asset can turn into one of Cleveland’s most valuable pieces in the post-Irving era. With the right development and opportunity, he may well become a hidden gem uncovered in a trade once defined by bigger names.