"I think when you're playing this way," the 2004 NBA All-Star added, "everybody appreciates it."

That they do.

"I can't say enough about A.K. right now," said Carlos Boozer, who was speaking after the win against the Raptors — but he has said something similar after each Jazz outing for past week-plus.

"He's everywhere," added Boozer. "Even if he's not scoring, you know he's doing other stuff that helps us win."

He is, which Kirilenko will have you believe — no matter how he may have felt during the summer, and no matter he may or may not feel now — is what really matters.

"That's why almost everybody on the floor look(s) good," Kirilenko said. "That's important. That's life."

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