Reader comments
Hornacek called in to assist Kirilenko

Doug J | 12:44 a.m. Oct. 4, 2007

This sounds like great news!

Hopefully Hornecek can straiten that crazy russian back into shape.

Workinglate | 1:03 a.m. Oct. 4, 2007

I suspect Jeff will be working with AK more to keep his piehole shut as much as his shooting. I think the only guy on the Jazz to say less in an interview that Stockton had to be Hornacek. Maybe that will rub off a little bit.

The W | 1:11 a.m. Oct. 4, 2007

Thank you Hornacek - another winner / producer who believes in Kirilenko; 47.1% last season isn't bad given AK averaged only 6 shots each game.

Comments continue below

JP | 4:27 a.m. Oct. 4, 2007

C'mon, there's got to be a door in the front office with Horny's name on it.

Jimmy's Sneakers | 6:22 a.m. Oct. 4, 2007

Jimmy wonders if you guys missed the fact that this is the 3rd straight season that Hornacek has been working with AK47? Jimmy doesn't see why this season will be better for AK47 then the last two.

Besides when we trade AK for RJeff over the All-star break, will we still have to keep paying Hornacek to be our special assistant coach?

Yo Jimmy | 7:13 a.m. Oct. 4, 2007

I like Jimmy's comment...why does AK47 need to have a babysitter. I wonder if the Jazz will sign me if Horny works out with me...I may be fat, but if I had 3 years of babysitting at the PRO level...I could be starting for the Jazz. AK47 should go back to Mother Russia.

Thanks Jimmy Sneakers, point well taken.

Gretzky | 8:09 a.m. Oct. 4, 2007

all players have on or off season help. Jabbar helps all the centers in the league etc etc. Hornacek is amazing. he's a good role model and mentor. it can only help the Jazz. still, the Jazz won't become champs since the league does not allow small state/market teams to win it all. not enough money brought in if the team is not from Texas, LA, NY, Detroit, Miami, etc. the Jazz don't have a tradition like the Packers of Green Bay to command the attention of the commish.

Joey2Tall | 8:38 a.m. Oct. 4, 2007

Only problem with Gretzky's comment is... everything. San Antonio is a similar, if not smaller market as Salt Lake. Houston is a similar market as Salt Lake. San Antonio was the first expansion club to ever win a title.

Enough with all the "poor me, I live in Salt Lake" attitudes. The only excuse that we didn't win a championship is Karl Malone likes to miss free throws in the clutch, and that he doesn't look to his baseline when he is posting up (leading to the Michael Jordan steal in the waning minutes of Game 6.)

I'm totally excited to hear that the Jazz are trying to open coaching doors for him. I'd LOVE to see Jeff in a management or coaching position soon. He was the second strongest player mentally that the Jazz have ever had (next to Stockton) and I believe he would be a great coach. Now that he'll be more of a fixture on the sidelines helping Kirilenko. I see this team being a much stronger team this year.

RE: Gretzky | 8:46 a.m. Oct. 4, 2007

HA! don't give me that small market excuse I have heard for so many years...San Antonio is a small market team, granted from Texas, but small market comparatively speaking...don't mean to rip on you, but that's just lame. Jazz blew it twice against the Bulls, shaddy non-call on Jordan vs. Russell, but nonetheless, the Jazz had ample opportunities to win and didn't (not because a one-play no call foul). Anyway, back to my point...Yes, I agree, Pros in all sports need assistance in offseason, but AK47 was an all-star and this looks more like babysitting and making him feel all warm and fuzzy so he doesn't leave. You think after being in the league this long, he could figure his shot out on his own (watching tape, etc...), instead the Jazz waste a lot of time & money "developing" cry babies (aka - AK47) instead of directing that amazing Horny training at the new rookie talent. Bla bla, I could go on forever about these cry babies making more than you or I will ever see...I should know, my cousin happens to be one of them! Except he doesn't cry, he just tells stories.

Bottom Line | 9:16 a.m. Oct. 4, 2007

If it helps AK I'm all for it. The Jazz need his D and if helping his O is what it takes then I'm all for it.

However, the best part about this article is that Horny is employed by the Jazz, for whatever reason, that is a good thing. I hope this leads to a bigger role for the Jazz from Horny in the future he is an asset anyway you look at it.

Glad to have Horny with the Jazz.

The Great Mentor?? | 9:18 a.m. Oct. 4, 2007

Hornacek can't teach AK to be a team player. Better shooter....maybe. Why do the Jazz waste the time on AK, when they could be helping Milsap instead. Nothing like a whiny multi-millionaire getting all the attention. AK should have had some class and talked about his issues with Jazz management behind closed doors.

Ted | 9:18 a.m. Oct. 4, 2007

Joey2Tall,

I agree with your point, and San Antonio is a small market. But then you just sound stupid when you compare Houston to SLC. Houston is the 4th largest city in the U.S.!

Ryan | 9:25 a.m. Oct. 4, 2007

The difference between this and previous instances of Hornacek mentoring AK is that this time he appears to be on board for the long-haul, as opposed to just the pre-season. In my humble opinion, it can do nothing but help. AK's form is good, but it's obvious that the mental side of the game has gotten the better of him. Hornacek could play a more important role in mediating between AK and Sloan.

My only qualm - If Jeff's going to be with us, he needs to be with us. Move your family back to SLC, don't keep one foot back in Arizona. It makes no sense in light of his stance that he wants to be closer to his family. With this long-distance commuting arrangement, he'll be away from them for LONGER. You are loved here, Jeff. C'mon back.

Jimmy Talks in the 3rd Person | 9:41 a.m. Oct. 4, 2007

"What have Larry Johnson did that Karl Malone have not did?"

wow Jimmy... | 9:49 a.m. Oct. 4, 2007

Jimmy you're obviously missing the point. AK is happy now that he's here helping him. Maybe it will boost is confidence and his mood and give him the desire to play and work harder. You're too dang pesimistic.

Gretzky get a life | 10:44 a.m. Oct. 4, 2007

I should know about the cry babies cause my cousin plays for the junior jazz. Oh yeah my great grandpas bother who married a lady and had a kid who then married a lady and her best friends brothers cousin in LHM and he said all pro athletes are spoiled brats not just AK and your junior jazz cousin

mutthead52 | 10:55 a.m. Oct. 4, 2007

San Antonio is the 8th largest city in the US. It is also surrounded by other very populous cities in its metropolitan district. Denver is actually a comparatively small US market, and it's twice the size of SL. SL is a tiny market, actually (my work involves demograpphic research)--if size actually matters.

deth | 11:04 a.m. Oct. 4, 2007

I've known Jimmy for a long time and he has been calling for that Richard Jefferson trade for years. I agree with him too.

Once the season starts, Hornicek's help won't matter. Because even if A.K. shoots well, thats not the reason A.K seems to be unhappy. I like the idea that hornicek is helping, but do you really think its going to make everything better? Jimmy makes the best point.

Know your demographics! | 11:15 a.m. Oct. 4, 2007

Ted,
You have a point...in part. Houston is the 4th largest city, but San Antonio is 7th. Market extends beyond the boundaries of the city. Just as Houston has a huge market outside of Harris County, San Antonio has a huge following outside Bexar County in the Central Texas Region. San Anton is now small market team. Let's get our facts completely straight before saying anyone sounds stupid!

Sokel | 11:48 a.m. Oct. 4, 2007

Kirilenko has to flash his own initiative in wanting to get better...that is something that is baffling.
Why he doesn't watch film or get tired of hearing loud "klinks or Klinkalenkos" or shooting blanks.
In the words of one Czech sage...'A loaded AK-47 operated by you know who, is just as bad as an empty one.

So now what | 12:31 p.m. Oct. 4, 2007

So now are we gonna see Kirilenko rubbing the side of his face 2-3 times before he shoots his freethrows?
Maybe if they renegotiated Kry-a-lenko's contract to pay him a lot less then he'd be happier because he'd feel his paycheck was in line with his production.
Also, deth = Jimmy's Sneakers

Jimmy could be AK's language coach and then Ak would get so annoyed he'd simply walk away and glady forfeit all remaining money.

jazz fan | 12:36 p.m. Oct. 4, 2007

Kirilenko is a team player and a great player. Williams needs to get the whole team involved, not just his friends. None of this crap happened with Stockton running the team.

re: jazz fan | 1:15 p.m. Oct. 4, 2007

jazz fan = Masha

deth | 1:27 p.m. Oct. 4, 2007

Jazz fan,

That is ridiculous. This isn't high school ball. So we never heard Karl complain? Really? Dwill makes everyone better. He didn't cause AK to shoot so poorly.

Deth = Jimmy Sneakers....no
Deth > Jimmy Sneakers....yes

Aaron | 1:54 p.m. Oct. 4, 2007

It's appropriate that they bring in Hornacek for a situation like this, if for nothing more than to shut AK up. Hornacek was a guy who was capable of scoring 20 ppg and in fact made at least one All-Star team, but he didn't demand the ball all the time, and his sacrifice helped him get to two Finals. And he still got his 14 or 15 points. Kirilenko should follow suit, work on his J, and maybe history can repeat itself, except the Jazz can actually win it this time because there's no Michael Jordan in the league to spoil it. Now if only they can figure out a way to beat the Spurs...

re: deth | 2:13 p.m. Oct. 4, 2007

Megadeth > deth.

The comment about AK now wiping his face before FT's was pretty funny. He can't copy, though - he needs his own routine. Like, acknowledging the freebie with one finger up in the air, or stroking his mohawk, or something.

Cynic | 2:36 p.m. Oct. 4, 2007

Too many armchair coaches and point guards before the season even opens.

hey dith | 3:29 p.m. Oct. 4, 2007

the man shot 47% last year and I know D-Wilt didn't cause that to happen either

D -Will caused | 5:47 p.m. Oct. 4, 2007

How I remember a few times D-Will passed to AK when clock was up Ak has only 2 second to do something. No wonder everybody will blame AK.That kind of shots never looked good. All these are past. Let's forget about sh.t. It's new season new hope. Bring it- home NBA TITLE.

MAO VANCOUVER WA | 6:57 p.m. Oct. 4, 2007

THIS IS GREAT NEW ABOUT HORNY ON THE JAZZ STAFF.
NOW (AK) PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO HOW A REAL PRO HANDLES HIM SELF ON AND OFF THE COURT IF YOU LEARN THOSE LITTLE THINGS THE GAME WILL START TO COME TO YOU AND ALL OF US WORKING CLASS FANS WILL LOVE COMING TO WATCH YOU PLAY..WORK HARD AK..

Robert | 8:56 p.m. Oct. 4, 2007

I love Jeff he was actually a person I would try to model my game after when I picked pick up games on the weekends in High School and College. Brings back good memories. Jeff was amazing he would always make these crazy no look behind the back lay ups, and those were luck at all, it's luck if you make it once, but then when they consistently start happening every single time he's just good and he knows where he is all the time and has good body control. Considering he wanted to get a job with his degree, but ended up being in the NBA for so many years he's pretty amazing. He was able to score at least 14 points a game considering he wasn't the most athletic athlete.

What's happened to Hornaceck? Do you guys know what he's been up to?

Calgary Jazz | 10:30 p.m. Oct. 4, 2007

AK shot 47% and had 400 FG attempts while D-Will shot 45% and had 1000fg attempts. So who has the right to critisize teammate for looking to shot everytime? Who actually was shooting better?

Calgary, pay attention | 11:21 p.m. Oct. 4, 2007

That is interesting, isn't it. The big stat there that you left out was 3 point shooting. 23% for AK47, a bit shy of 40% for D-Will. I don't know what the 3-point shot attempt numbers are, but 23% for the number of shots AK took from outside is just unacceptable.

Karl Malone-have-not-did. | 11:28 p.m. Oct. 4, 2007

Can't anyone see what is happening? Larry Miller is easing Hornacek into the coaching organization. He'll be a full time assistant and then the eventual head coach when Sloan is ready to retire. Larry doesn't like volatility in an organization. Consistency is one of the elements of the Jazz success. I predict the Jazz will win the championship in '08-'09 season!

Church ball | 1:32 a.m. Oct. 5, 2007

Robert, dude! At least most people talk about their high school or church ball days! You only have pick up games to talk about? "Remember when I hit that shot that beat the buzzer when I was playing by myself on the asphalt at the elementary school?"

MOA -- GET OFF THE ALL CAPS! THEY ARE HARD TO READ!

Stop Whinning? Not helpful. | 8:15 a.m. Oct. 5, 2007

Kirelenko needs emotional support and that's what he's getting. That may sound silly but it's true. Boneheads will say "Get up and quit whinning.", but that doesn't help the situation. Kirelenko represents a multi-million dollar investment. Rather than just get pissed when the investment doesn't work out and start yelling, it might be worth an additional small investment to help insure success with the larger one. This is smart. The article says Andre's "beaming". If he feels good and sees that the jazz are throwing him a bone he'sgoingtoplay better. Great job Jazz management. I hope the plan works out!

KIRILENKO'S BIGGEST FAN | 10:11 a.m. Oct. 5, 2007

He's Back!!!! Besides bringing in Jeff to help his game, I heard from a friend that knows a guy that is cousins with a Jazz player that Larry met with Kirilenko's wife to dicuss a way of motivating him this year. She has now up'd his freeby from once a year to one every win. NBA CHAMPS HERE WE COME!!!!!!!!!!

re: D -Will caused | 8:10 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

"D -Will caused" is that you, Andre? C'mon man, we can hear your accent even in your typing. We know it's you.

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