From Deseret News archives:

Utah Jazz: AK is OK starting on bench

Published: Thursday, Oct. 9, 2008 12:14 a.m. MDT
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Kirilenko insisted that he's all about doing whatever the Jazz need him to do in order to win. If he comes off the bench, he'll just try to "bring that little spark" into the game. He pointed out that he is 27 years old and has been a pro since he was 15, inferring that he can handle role changes maturely if they're what's best.

"It's not about ego," Kirilenko said. "It's about the team and how we're going to play and how good quality our game will be."

Kirilenko said starting and subbing each have "pluses and minuses." Starters have a chance to get into rhythm in the first few minutes, he explained. On the other hand, subs have an opportunity to evaluate the game and then "kind of change the game" when they enter.

As for Miles, the 21-year-old, who started 13 of the 60 games he played in last year, admitted that he liked being in the game from the get-go. He called it a confidence-builder. He ended up playing 21 minutes, scoring seven points and grabbing three rebounds in a "decent first game."

"It felt good to be able to get some good minutes," said Miles, who signed a contract extension this summer. "Whether it be starting or just (to) be getting minutes, I just love to play."

NBA preseason

Suns at Jazz

EnergySolutions Arena

Today, 7 p.m.

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E-mail: jody@desnews.com

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