Utah Jazz: Andrei Kirilenko won't play for Russia at FIBA championships

SALT LAKE CITY — Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko has decided not to play for his native Russia at the FIBA World Championships, which begin late next month in Turkey.

The Jazz had been hoping Kirilenko, star of the Russian national team, wouldn't play due to the strained calf muscle that caused him to miss multiple games late last season and in the NBA playoffs.

Kirilenko told a Russian newspaper, Sport Express, of his plans.

The decision means the Jazz won't be represented at the tourney, because point Deron Williams declined to play for Team USA and Turkish center Mehmet Okur still is recovering from surgery to repair a torn tendon.

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