Deseret News | Andrei wants out of Utah

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Andrei wants out of Utah

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Let it go | 11:42 a.m. Sept. 19, 2007

THE MARION TRADE ISN'T GOING TO HAPPEN. GIVE IT UP.

ID Jazz | 11:45 a.m. Sept. 19, 2007

Admittedly Al I agree with you that Sloan does not use players efficiently at times but it usually pertains to rookies and not starters. I do not think Sloan knows how to develop rookies. Guys who are established in there game seem to thrive in his system but trying to learn and grow (rookies)in his system seems to be hard for most who come here. Although I think he is trying more than he has because CJ started how many games at the start of last year and many rookies got a chance to rotate through but I think Brewer deserves a chance to play and has shown he can. Not sure why Sloan holds him back. He did the same thing to Bryon Russel and then Bryon started for many years so hopefully he knows what he is doing. But some get frustrated and leave such as MO Peterson.

Cavs Fan | 11:45 a.m. Sept. 19, 2007

I am a transplant here in Utah from Ohio. Last year Joe Smith posted up Ilgauskis, faked a quick first step, stepped back and nailed a 7 footer over freaking Ilgauskas. You Jazz fans should be thrilled to get him for so little. He could do for you what Delray Brooks did for Providence. Don't listen to them Macon.

Comments continue below

Anonymous | 11:44 a.m. Sept. 19, 2007

Part 1: Full Translation of AK's blog (piece by piece)

My mood after the Eurobasket championship is awesome! It was simply an amazing experience. I have said many times that I will always play for the Russian team with pleasure. The atmosphere in the team was simply wonderful and after winning the gold my feelings were further strengthened. I have always believed in our group and we have been working for this for a long time. The path was a long and thorny one, but we were still able to achieve this success.
Blatt gets an A+ for the way he did his job. It was very nice to have worked with him. The coach and I literally spoke the same language. Mutual understanding, and respect, plus professionalism are always the key to success. It would seem that Blatt is the best coach of all the coaches Iï¿½ve had a chance to work with in my professional career. Before him was my beloved child coach, Vasiliyev, who prepared me for playing the sport as an adult.

PHIL J | 11:48 a.m. Sept. 19, 2007

Phil Johnson has won coach of the year before so I would not knock it until you try it. Maybe a ZEN Master in hiding.

Ty | 11:49 a.m. Sept. 19, 2007

Whoops, my bad... you can sell the season tickets to me!

BH | 11:47 a.m. Sept. 19, 2007

Part 2: Full translation of AK's blog (piece by piece)

Of course, Sloan is a coaching legend. Heï¿½s got a lot of experience under his belt. Heï¿½s experienced a great deal of great games and on more than one occasion led Utah to the NBA finals. However, his style and system donï¿½t completely suit me. Iï¿½m grateful to Sloan for giving me the chance to develop into an NBA player. Thanks to him, I became an all star in 2004. I think that he had a big part in the fact that I was able to sign a big contract.

Blatt, for his part, helped me to realize my dream of becoming a champion as a member of the Russian team. Itï¿½s worth a lot. You canï¿½t understand the joy one receives from winning for oneï¿½s country. It goes without saying that for that, Iï¿½m grateful to Blatt. I respect and appreciate Blatt for his ability to organize the players in such a way that he takes advantage of the strongest qualities of everyone so that they give one hundred percent.

Bill | 11:49 a.m. Sept. 19, 2007

Part 3: Ak's blog, full translation

. Heï¿½s very gifted at motivating the team and using a positive approach. Heï¿½s able to be a sufficiently tough coach without using psychological pressure. He gives everyone the opportunity to everyone to feel like they are important and that the team depends on each person personally. He inspires confidence. The team has 12 players, and each of them requires an individualized approach. Only in such a way, a player can demonstrate his one hundred percent best. A coach is not only an organizer but a psychologist as well. Thanks to Blatt, that after an unsuccessful season in the NBA he still believed in me and created the conditions in the team that allowed me to demonstrate my highest level of playing and to bring my maximum contribution. In other words, Iï¿½ll always be ready to play for Russia, under Blattï¿½s leadership with great pleasure.
Iï¿½ve already got to return to the services of the team, but, if Iï¿½m being honest about it, I donï¿½t get much joy from the thought. My past season was unsuccessful and I was seriously disappointed.

Bill | 11:50 a.m. Sept. 19, 2007

Part 4: Ak's blog, full translation

I have given it a lot of thought, and I have come to the decision that I want to leave Utah. The Euro championship that just finished was a defining moment, and everything has fallen into place for me.

Coach Sloan is one of the reasons, but not the only one. In the six years Iï¿½ve been in the NBA, I have most definitely gained colossal experience. Its absolutely understandable that the NBA is the strongest league in the world. Every game makes you a better player because it is a challenge ï¿½ a call to battle. Such experiences are refining. All of these words have been true as far as Iï¿½m concerned except for the last two seasons. I now feel that Iï¿½m not developing as a player. Iï¿½m trying, itï¿½s just not happening. Iï¿½m not being allowed. I donï¿½t receive any support from the coach or the organization. Iï¿½m convinced that Sloanï¿½s methods have a negative effect. His primary motivating technique for players is using feelings of guilt. Our salaries, our mistakes in games, our actions off the courtï¿½they all can be reasons for reproach.

Anonymous | 11:54 a.m. Sept. 19, 2007

Hey, AK this is Kobe. Come play with me and I promise to get you a minimum of 2 shots a game! I promise.

Love Kobe

Bill | 11:52 a.m. Sept. 19, 2007

Part second to last: Ak's blog, full translation

I want to play basketball, I want to receive joy from that, and not be some robot, or some wheel in Sloanï¿½s system. For those reasons, I donï¿½t see my future with the Utah Jazz team.

Yes, I have a big, expensive contract. However, Iï¿½m certain that I was never disingenuous or incorrect in my behavior to Jazz fans. Undoubtedly, Iï¿½m grateful for their kindness and support. They have helped me from the first minute of my arrival in Salt Lake City. I hope they understand my my motives. I hadnï¿½t said this to anyone before, but a couple of weeks ago, I spoke with the general manager of Utah, Kevin Oï¿½ Connor. I told him that I donï¿½t see myself on the team and that Iï¿½d like to leave.

Bill | 11:53 a.m. Sept. 19, 2007

final part: ak's blog full translation

. Itï¿½s clear that Utah and I donï¿½t see my role and place on the team in the same way. I donï¿½t want my contract to be a burden to the team. We should go our own ways. It is the organizations choice. I only have one thing to ask. Let me go my own way. I donï¿½t want to punch a number and feel out my contract mechanically. Unfortunately, itï¿½s been more than a week and I havenï¿½t heard from anyone of the Jazzï¿½s management ï¿½ no positive or negative answer. The silence is just one more proof of their attitude toward me. Nonetheless, I truly hope that our relationship has ran its course and now its time for us to part.

Jerry Sloan | 12:03 p.m. Sept. 19, 2007

isn't the problem. Andrei can't accept his role and is being a baby about it. Sloan isn't here to be a shrink or a buddy to his players, he's here to coach. If a player isn't performing up to par (especially with a huge contract) then he is going to find someone who will. I think AKs head is getting too big and he if he feels like he can be of better service to another team, then maybe Utah should try and trade him.

Anonymous | 12:03 p.m. Sept. 19, 2007

I agree

AK | 12:06 p.m. Sept. 19, 2007

Idiot. Joe Smith? Carmelo? Trade with the Celtics.

Smith? A 7 footer? | 12:11 p.m. Sept. 19, 2007

Cavs Fan: Good thing we're basing trading a once-was franchise player on a guy with bum knees, 9 years past his prime, and a wicked 7 foot shot. I know AK's trade value is low right now, but cmon, JOE SMITH?!

Good thing Cavs Fan doesn't run the Jazz. He just wants Boozer back.

Charles | 12:15 p.m. Sept. 19, 2007

What a lame-o....... He should learn to shoot for crying out loud... how many years does it take to learn how to shoot? Let that nerd go... Who cares if he can block an occasion shot.

Everyone always happy? | 12:23 p.m. Sept. 19, 2007

I think that almost every team has a player that whines that he isn't used the way he feels he should be. Is this the Coach's fault that they have an ego problem? No, it's just a part of the business.

All this Sloan-bashing is ridiculous. Every coach has a problem child. Show me a team where every single player, from 1 to 12, is happy with their role and doesn't want more playing time than they're getting. Good luck. Everyone has a sulker. Having a max-money sulker just grabs more headlines.

Sparks24 | 12:43 p.m. Sept. 19, 2007

I agree with Regis Philbin Jr if the Jazz front office can not work this out it will set this team back 5 years. There is not one decent shot blocker on this team if Andrei leaves. This team will be awful defensively. Who will play defense Booz or Okur ya right. You fans who are telling Andrei to get out of town just do not have any idea about the game of basketball. YOU ARE THE SAME FANS THAT 2 YEARS AGO WANTED THE JAZZ TO TRADE BOOZER!!!!!

Koob | 12:47 p.m. Sept. 19, 2007

Have any of you folks actually ever SEEEEEN Joe Smith play??? Not that it would ever happen, but what some of you guys would give up for Smith is OFF-THE-WALL. I would not trade for Harpring for Joe Smith straight up, I especially would not trade multiple players or draft picks for him. I MIGHT trade a 2nd round pick for him straight up. But thats about it. Maybe Giricek for Smith.

hawaiijazzfan | 1:01 p.m. Sept. 19, 2007

<dont trade kiri)
unless the jazz are getting a monster defensive shot blocking sf, like a josh howard, gerald wallace, marion or a josh smith, then will lack interior defense. and there is no way any of those teams makes that trade (but the josh howard, spares and change for kirilenko might work). howard is already playing behind dirk and the jet so hes used to the third option on offense. thus anything less than howard is unacceptable.
dont want mello as he doesnt defend, cant get a bosh, wade, kobe, lebron as their teams wont let them go. for all those trade marion cry babies out there, isnt he essentially doing the same thing AK is and complaining about the same things? plus he can opt out. josh smith is a freak of nature but andrei is a better scorer and (gulp) shooter. maggette or bulter maybe able to make it work out by contributing offensively and strong on ball defense but without that shot blocking presence its all in vain. come one guys, think before you post stupid things like trade ak for nothing lets get him outta here.

Calgary Jazz | 1:05 p.m. Sept. 19, 2007

I am just amazed how so many Jazz fans are worshiping Sloan and do not see whats going on in reality. You really like dictatorship? It is not Army! It is a basketball team, where coach and players shopuld be one happy family to win it all. Sloan said many times he is not psychologist, well, with his salary I would be taking some courses to learn how to deal with players not only by punishing, keeping them on the bench and constantly complaining. Basketball is not about O and X only, but obviously Sloan doesn't care. Giricek should do the same. If more Jazz players would support AK, more likely Sloan would realize how unacceptable his methods are among players.

K-bomb | 1:05 p.m. Sept. 19, 2007

Hey calgary,

I've been tough on you lately but one thing you said in your post hit home with me. It is word for word verbatum what my brother Deano told me

"Sloan said many times he is not psychologist, well, with his salary I would be taking some courses to learn how to deal with players"

Calgary your right. A great coach can bring the best out in his players. There is Blame to go around but using this as a definition Sloan is definitely not a great coach. He's the type of coach you want running your summer league or training camp, but he definitely doesn't get it done as a game coach.

I've been a huge critic of AK this year but I must say that I was hoping to see him come back this year and play well. AK is an amazing talent, but its not going to happen with Sloan, maybe it won't happen elsewhere either.

Calgary if I had to vote one person off the Island, I think after taking a hard look at Kirelenko, I would send Sloan back to his John Deere collection

Anonymous | 1:06 p.m. Sept. 19, 2007

Andrie is way overpaid as is and now he wants out? Geez, if I was a below average NBA player with a BIG contract I would keep my mouth shut and giggle all the way to the bank! Some guys are legends in their own minds.

Anonymous | 1:06 p.m. Sept. 19, 2007

Hey, Phil-bong, he's talking about Phil Johnson, the current assistant coach who will be the coach once Jerry Sloan leaves (and whom many teams have expressed interest in having as a head coach). Jazzfan, I made the same point on an Espn commentary (if we traded Andrei to the Suns, we'd be handing them the championship). I also think that Sloan has done this to everyone at one point or another (D-Will roookie season, Boozer 1st 2 years here injured, Okur's OK 1st year and lack of defense). What I think is that the clubhouse team leaders need to step up and connect with Andrei, starting with D-will. I thought he was figuring out last year how to run the team as a floor general, now is the year when he can take leadership command like no one since Stockton and Malone. He can reach out, it would also really help if some of his teammates stepped up and defended him. I really think his teammates can help pull him out of the proverbial tree, but they need to step up (and now it just got alot harder).

Good Point | 1:25 p.m. Sept. 19, 2007

I agree with the comment about AK's teammates needing to step up and reach out to him. It's too bad that AK has alienated his entire team by the comments he has made, so it's going to take his teammates a hard gulp and the swallowing of some pride, but I think that if touchy-feely AK had a few teammates reach out and talk about how he can help himself out, that might mend some fences.

It's obvious that AK is not the most mature athlete out there, and maybe he needs to be babied a little bit - but not too much. Sloan isn't going to do that.

Clearly Sloan and AK are not a match made in heaven. But unless he tears up his paychecks, we're stuck with him. And AK is stuck with Sloan.

Guy who knows | 1:34 p.m. Sept. 19, 2007

Jazz are going to take names this year with or without Andrei. His funeral if he wants out. Dwill and Booze enjoy each other and love Sloan's system so we're set for quite a while. He can go have the huge success that Shandon Anderson and Howard Eisley have had since leaving the Jazz.

I enjoyed watching him and he has a few skills, but like Malone, if you complain and want out, there goes our support!

And, oh yeah, Dominque, Phil Jackson, Joe Smith, Marion, and especially Donyell, all belong in the NO SKILLS dept.

Henry Drummond | 1:51 p.m. Sept. 19, 2007

Ah fer cryin' out loud....

I get it Andre. You would rather finish last and be the star than win the whole thing and be a role player.

Put a rubber band around your head and snap out of it.

forum master | 1:53 p.m. Sept. 19, 2007

I just heard on the radio talks that O'Connor is talking with Portland and Russian teams. Sounds like it's possible the Jazz could get Oden and a second round pick for Kirilinko and Giracek. And if that doesn't work out the Jazz are just going to buy out his contract so he can play in Russia. Good luck where ever you end up Andre! We'll miss you

Oh boy | 1:53 p.m. Sept. 19, 2007

Joe Smith? Are you people serious, Maybe if he was free. On second thought not even then, he'd be a waste of a roster space.

Get it Straight | 2:02 p.m. Sept. 19, 2007

I keep seeing that everyone is referring to Joe Smith. If you knew anything about basketball, there is no way the Jazz would trade for Joe Smith. However, if you want to get it right you are probably thinking of Josh Smith of the Hawks. Unless you are an idiot. Which most of you are with your Sloan comments.

Bizzert | 2:04 p.m. Sept. 19, 2007

Dang, AK used his annual exemption from his wife on the Jazz Fans. Adios punk

firedude | 2:05 p.m. Sept. 19, 2007

ak needs to step up and show everybody that he can play.

Dane | 2:09 p.m. Sept. 19, 2007

Good riddance.

AK47 - GOODBYE! | 2:33 p.m. Sept. 19, 2007

AK is a good player yes but he is right, he is not a good fit for a good ol country boy coach who knows what the game is all about...TEAM!!! I grew up watching Sloan when he played at the University of Evansville. He was a team player then and he demands team players now. AK is NOT a team player. Get rid of him and the Jazz automatically get 5 more wins/year. Getting rid of him would not be a problem if the NBA would go back to they way they used to pay players....earn your money. Stop the guarantee of money contracts for players who have not proven themselves. I mean come on...how much is Oden getting paid to sit the bench the whole year in Portland? I want that job....getting paid millions to get a front row, courtside seat to 81 NBA games.

Skeeter | 2:35 p.m. Sept. 19, 2007

Sloan takes the Jazz to the Western Finals which no one thought possible and all you fans complain. He is not perfect. He is not the best coach for AK, but he IS a GREAT coach. I do not know the solution for AK's situation. I doubt a good trade can be made. If he can somehow be made to be happy on the JAZZ, we can win a championship. We cannot win one without him. He should never had gone public with these comments, though there is truth to his complaints,airing them in public just makes the situation worse. Keep Sloan -- try to make AK happy unless a really good trade can be made which is doubtful.

Mikey | 2:45 p.m. Sept. 19, 2007

Fine lets just get rid of Karl. Oh, I'm Sorry, I mean AK.

Scooby Doo | 2:51 p.m. Sept. 19, 2007

Much to do about Andrei!

At this point trading him ASAP is really the best option 4 all. Andrei really would fit in nicely with Phoenix. I would really like to get Bell or Barbosa and Diaw 4 him insead of Marion, but Marion's 2 year deal with his option 2 bail after 1 could work out better in the long run. It would be nice if we could unload Gira and Collins in whatever deal we do as well.

Sweet Trade | 2:56 p.m. Sept. 19, 2007

I love the Joe Smith idea. Maybe we could lure him with a secret agreement that we will re-sign him for more money after his current contract runs out...

RBK | 3:11 p.m. Sept. 19, 2007

I don't want Andrei to leave! If Jerry could have gone 5 years ago I would have been estatic. I think his style of basket ball is boring and his continued crushing of the psyche of new players a waste of Jazz resources. I think the Jazz success has come inspite of coach Sloan and not because of him. Andrei is not a selfish player, many of his passes are incredible and he is a largly untaped resource in the current Jazz system.

Go Joe | 3:14 p.m. Sept. 19, 2007

Joe Smith???? 6.9 ppg Career average Yeehaw!

porky | 3:14 p.m. Sept. 19, 2007

NBA ego's are over-inflated just like their salaries.

MTN | 3:19 p.m. Sept. 19, 2007

We saw how D-Will connected with Tyson Chandler this summer: How about AK for Tyson Chandler... of course, that makes the Center spot crowded with Memo. So shop Memo for a shooter. Memo was pretty inconsistent at the end of the year too.

The sad thing is that if AK said, "I'm going to get four blocks, ten boards and take out the garbage on the offensive glass for ten points a game" the Jazz would have a red carpet to the finals. But either no one has explained that to him in plain Russian, or he isn't willing to accept it. That sucks. Whatever the office does they need to do it quick. NO DISTRACTIONS PLEASE this year. THIS IS THE YEAR....

I disagree with RBK... | 3:20 p.m. Sept. 19, 2007

I have seen many tapes of AK playing for the Jazz....

RBHS | 3:29 p.m. Sept. 19, 2007

I like the Chandler for Kirilenko trade. That gives us plenty of room to re-sign Williams which is the only thing that is of importance to the Jazz next year. Dump Kirilenko's salary for a shot blocker and giving more money to DWILL. Go Jazz.

What RU Thinking? | 3:33 p.m. Sept. 19, 2007

As I am typing this, I see in red letters below this box where it says comments cannot be "Misrepresentative". Why did you let someone post a comment claiming to be Jerry Sloan???

As for AK, he could be an allstar, and not be an option in the Jazz offense. He is a one of a kind athlete who can take over a game without being fed the ball. Wake up AK!

GET RID OF "COACH" SLOAN | 3:36 p.m. Sept. 19, 2007

So many blindly loyal jazz fans who have no clue what's going on behind the scenes. Jerry Sloan needs to be let go. Contrary to what you all think, he is not doing any sort of coaching whatsoever. He is just a "legend" or face for the team. And the Jazz fans all buy it. Anybody notice that he takes "timeouts" during the games and says NOTHING to his players? Anybody notice that he does not give players enough playing time in the 2-guard and forward positions, and that is where a presence is missing? Anybody notice that his plays are NEVER written for the 2-guards and forward positions and then he complains that they don't do anything on the court? It would be IMPOSSIBLE to play under this guy. I don't think ego even enters the picture. There is a history of Sloan putting players in the "dog house" for no reason at all. He strips players of their confidence then publicly bashes them in his apathetic manner. He is toxic to the Jazz. He is the reason the Jazz lost in the playoffs last year. Open your eyes people.

Stan Grace | 3:39 p.m. Sept. 19, 2007

Teamwork thrives or dies from attitude. No amount of talent can overcome poor attitude. If the desire is to change make it swift and merciful.

Delaney Rudd | 3:49 p.m. Sept. 19, 2007

First of all let me just say Regis Philbin Jr. is an idiot. Here is the problem, AK is making way too much money for the amount of production he is putting up. If Phoenix is dumb enough to give up Marion for Andrei I would do it in a heart beat. That said, I recommend we send Andrei to Milwaukee in exchange for Yi. I know Yi finally said he would play in Milwaukee, but it would make more sense for him to play in a bigger market, like Salt Lake. It has one of the most diverse cultures in the nation. Andrei would like the siberianesque temperatures and you would be sending him to an eastern conference team. The Bucks could throw in Michael Redd just to make salaries line up. That way the Jazz would have the outside shooter they have been longing for as well.

Vlad | 3:52 p.m. Sept. 19, 2007

To those who is blessing AK's trade: have you blessed
Raja's leaving before? AK earned every his penny honestly. When did you play your last bb game, compare the bulk of work he does on a floor with what his teammates do, look how he moves on offense end without a ball, and remember how many passes he got from DWill.
But coach Sloan Will is #1 in this conflict, deeply appreciated Mr. Sloan just wants to use AK like a tractor wrench, completely ignoring Andrei's reasons...
AK deserves the better life than just perspiration, I admit it but feel sad of this news.

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