Brad Rock: Andrei Kirilenko still making the stat crew work

By Brad Rock, Deseret News

Published: Thursday, Jan. 3 2013 11:34 a.m. MST

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Deseret News

Summary

Utah Jazz box scores just aren't what they used to be since Andrei Kirilenko left. Some nights the totals were as lengthy as his Russian phone number. The man was always a threat for a 5X5 — five in each of each of five stat categories.

"If people think they should cheer, they should cheer," he said. "If they feel the need to boo, they should boo. I know one thing: When I was here I played hard, I tried my best. If some nights I did not be at that level, well, sorry."

Actually, he was at that level in the first quarter, racking up six points, five rebounds, an assist and two blocks. You could picture the stat keepers clapping. He followed a missed shot for a score, slipped behind DeMarre Caroll to deflect a shot, flicked a one-handed assist to Nikola Pekovic for a layup.

It didn't last, as he finished with 12 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Still, Kirilenko is playing his best basketball since 2005-06 and having his best-shooting year ever. He has six double-doubles this season, 85 in his career. He is six assists and two steals away from becoming the 15th player in league history to record 2,000 assists, 1,000 steals and 1,000 blocks.

All of which he handled on Wednesday with a customary shrug. Part of the job, he said, part of what he did for Utah for a decade.

"I played 10 years, every year, different role," he said. "Right now I play pretty good basketball and I'm very happy in my role."

His role as both a good guy and a box score freak?

It's still making people do a double take.

Email: rock@desnews.com, Twitter: therockmonster, Facebook: rockmonsterunplugged

Did you see Rock's last article about Scott Mitchell? Here are the results of his poll questions:

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forgetyourself

Layton, UT

There might be some who think Andrei is not amazing and was a great impact on the Jazz I was not one of them. He still remains a Player I will watch even tho he no longer wears my Teams Jersey. He did suffer from a wide range of injuries but he More..

2:43 a.m. Jan. 3, 2013
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SlopJ30

St Louis, MO

When a guy throws up all-star stats in his early 20's we tend to assume that's just the tip of the iceberg, but that all-star season was an aberration. He needed to score more that year because the roster lacked firepower. Andrei is a very More..

8:13 a.m. Jan. 3, 2013
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alternate

Salt Lake City, UT

Unfortunately I feel that AK really hurt the Jazz because of the huge dollar amounts he received in return for very little in on floor contributions. Too bad that players can't be paid based on production rather than a bidding war for hoped for More..

12:08 p.m. Jan. 3, 2013
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