‘Our Beloved AK’ (M. Majchrzak - NBAE/Getty Images)
The past few off-seasons has seen questions surround Andrei Kirilenko.
Last offseason Kirilenko lead the Russian National team to the top of the FIBA European Championship, earning the tournament MVP honor in the process. Unfortunately, by the time he made it back to training camp, this great achievement had taken a back seat to the question of whether or not he can co-exist with Coach Sloan and other members of the team.
To his credit, Kirilenko was never a problem to the chemistry of the team, as he took his role as the teams 4th option on offense and first line of defense. It’s hardly the role the former All-Star would have chosen for himself, but at least it was clear.
I never saw any of the game tape from the European Tournament. I am guessing most of his NBA teammates and coaches didn’t either. Kirilenko is playing the same role this offseason – only on a bigger stage at the Olympics – with everyone watching. Kirilenko has arguably played the best game of any opponent against the vaunted American Redeem Team. His efforts drew praise from fellow Jazzmen Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer. Both saying to some extent that if Kirilenko played like that next season the Jazz would be playing for a championship.
Kirilenko is playing power forward for the Russian team – a position he has rarely played the past few years in the NBA. The Jazz of course have Boozer and Okur on the blocks – and a capable reserve in Paul Millsap. Leaving the best opportunity for Kirilenko to get on the floor at small forward.
All this leaves the question for this season – how could Kirilenko be better utilized? Maybe more minutes backing up both Boozer or Okur. Maybe more minutes in general or a more prominent role in the offense. Either way you ask it – it’s a better question then was being asked last year.
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J R Stewart on August 14, 2008 said:
AK’s problem is his salary, not his play. How do you get more production per $?
One interesting thought is, what happens if Boozer opts out and goes to Miami or ? All the sudden Milsap and AK get most of the PF minutes. Would that be so bad? Plus the Jazz would pick up 12-16 million in cap space to sign Korver, Memo and Millsap.
AK is most productive at PF and his defense far exceeds Boozer. Perhaps then you would get your moneys worth?
Jazzaholic