Deseret News | Reader comments: Kirilenko putting up some ridiculous shooting stats

Reader comments
Jazz notes: Kirilenko putting up some ridiculous shooting stats

luke | 7:45 a.m. Jan. 17, 2008

I have been hearing all of these comments regarding Marion not resigning with the Jazz IF he is traded for Kirilenko. So what if he doesn't resign? Unloading Kirilenko for a short term contract sounds like a deal. Remember, Millsap and Williams will need to be resigned. Williams for the max, and Millsap for probably for Harpring like money? Keeping these two players is critical for the team's future. I don't know what they would want to have Okur, Boozer, Williams, and Marion all signed for max or close to it deals. I would think erasing Kirilenko's contract from the books, and not being burdened with a similar one would make more sense.

MTN | 7:56 a.m. Jan. 17, 2008

I love AK, but the only thing he does that CJ doesn't is pass as well as Bird. But CJ's defense and shooting are as good as AK's these days... We could survive without AK.

Dave | 8:16 a.m. Jan. 17, 2008

I also love AK. I also believe we could survive without AK. Survive, but not thrive. The Jazz play their best basketball when AK is able to play.

Comments continue below

Basketbal Awerness | 8:22 a.m. Jan. 17, 2008

It's not ALL about points. It's not all about the all-star player who averages 30 points a game. It is about the player who does all the little stuff who can score if needed but also helps the other players score 30 points a game. AK does this for the Jazz. He does all the little stuff so many "Super Stars" aren't willing to do. If you think the Jazz can do without that who do you think is going to step up and provide the even games that AK does? He always gets a good amount of the five (Points, rebounds, blocks, assists, and steals.) Take all those away and who will step up. IF you think Miles does everything AK does you must be smoking something.

fact man | 8:22 a.m. Jan. 17, 2008

He does it all that is why the suns want him. They are finnaly figuring it out that Defense wins championships. The only thing marion is better at is finishing a play and finding an open man at the three point line when the middle is jammed up. Nobody on the Jazz can do that. Well he is a little bit better rebounder, but boozer is better rebounder than Stoudamire, and he can post up.
But kirilenko can pass and blocks and steals, and always plays good D, but he lacks go to offense that the Jazz need but he is getting better. Both have sub par shooting. Williams would love having two options on the fast break Brewer and Marion. Marion would be loved in Utah.
But will live with AK he Is the best Defense player and Passer on the team.

Jimmy's Sneakers | 8:26 a.m. Jan. 17, 2008

Remember folks Marty said the suns had INTERNAL discussions, which basically means nothing. Jimmy heard the latest rumor is that the Jazz were having internal discussions about trading CJ Miles for Lebron James, Jason Hart for Steve Nash and Jarron Collins for Dwight Howard.

ID Jazz | 8:59 a.m. Jan. 17, 2008

This is a management nightmare. I understand what AK does for the Jazz and what he brings every night and he is fun to watch to, but he was asked a few games ago again if he wanted to be traded and he smiled and said "no comment". If you did not wanted to be traded at some point when you were asked that question wouldn't you say no. Which leaves you wondering if he still wants out especially after Sloan signed for another year and that(Sloan)was his problem.

Marion wants more money than AK makes right now and if you traded for Marion you have to try to resign Dwill, Milsap, and possibly Marion in the off-season. Phoenix would need to resign Marion first for three years before Jazz should even consider.

I would like to see AK stay but do not be surprised to see if Sloan stays that AK still wants out. That relationship seems to be permanently strained but Hornacek is teaching him how to shoot and how to block Sloan out of his mind. Which makes you wonder if he was able to do that for AK, what could he do for a team.

Love It | 9:00 a.m. Jan. 17, 2008

I just love the Jazz the way they are. There are a few contracts that will expire next year, and keep in mind next year I believe the big one FESS will be able to contibute, and plug the middle some. Sweet, Sweet Go Jazz.

Anonymous | 9:05 a.m. Jan. 17, 2008

Some of the comments on here are laughable. CJ is nothing close to AK particularly on the defensive end. If anything I find CJ's defense horrendous. AK gives some many intangible aspects CJ just doesn't have. I like CJ but he is at least a year away from being able to contribute on a nightly basis. AK fills the stat sheet night in and night out.

I think acquiring Marion would be like bringing in a Cancer to the team. If he can't be content with playing with the leagues best PGp then what makes anyone think he would be happy here.

Also keep in mind that Larry H is planning on signing D-Will to Max money. I don't know what the plans are for Millsap but I wouldn't be surprised to see Harpring let go to create cap room for him.

AK - show some love | 9:45 a.m. Jan. 17, 2008

If AK is not completely happy with the Jazz now he never will be (at least while Sloan is coach). They brought him his own personal shooting coach and Sloan has literally treated him like his favorite player - at least in the press. He is contributing and playing good minutes. Not sure it can last but at this point I would hope AK recognizes the Jazz have done everything possible to make him happy in Utah. A little recognition from him of that (rather than just a smile and "no comment") would probably go a long way. Someone who is supposedly so sensitive should understand the need to give a little back when so much has been extended this season to him.

JImmy The Greek | 11:16 a.m. Jan. 17, 2008

Sloan is the problem..Ak would love to get out of
this town. Everyone thinks that everyone has moved
on....I dont think so...with Jerry signing a extension
Andrei would love to really move on....Phoenix..
La anywhere but here..i am serious......

Inside info | 11:41 a.m. Jan. 17, 2008

My wife's friend's sister is a hair stylist. She overheard Masha saying that AK would love to play for the suns, and he would return to all star form. She also overheard Gale Miller saying that Jazz are trying to trade AK to wizards for Butler and Haywood. This is very top secret internal discussions so don't repeat them.

Sloan Man | 11:44 a.m. Jan. 17, 2008

I think Hornacek should take over the team. He is already helping AK. What could he do for the others? D-Will needs to go up to Spokane again and get taught by Stockton, Boozer needs to fly down south and learn toughness from Malone, and we would be fine. Sloan needs to go back to his ranch in Illinios and never come back, and we will be fine.

BJ Jazzy Rasta | 11:58 a.m. Jan. 17, 2008

I think that Andre still wants out...even though I wish he didn't. The grass is NOT greener on the other side AK! Sloan is NOT loved by AK or D-will. This does not bode well for the Jazz. LHM needs to find a fresh face fast that the players like and can be better friends with. Sloan is a great coach, but too old-school for some of our players. Marion coming here would not be beneficial to team chemistry. Bring in someone to coach who will make the players WANT to stay in Utah and re-sign with Utah. Fans love Sloan and I'm one of them, but even I can see he needs to move on. As far as a replacement, I have no idea who's out there, but I guarantee you there's someone...maybe Hornacek??

Who do you guys know of out there who could coach this team to better chemistry, optimism, VISION, and a CHAMPIONSHIP??

LHM | 11:59 a.m. Jan. 17, 2008

I will always take loyalty over talent. I conduct negotations the way an understaffed hospital would. I dont care about credentials it's the loyalty I care about. Sloan will always be the greatest coach,why? because he's the most loyal coach in the history of sports. Thats the reason I respect his opinion and ultimatley bow down at his feet. If Kobe Bryant was playing for this team and sloan wanted him gone I would do it without a moments hesitation. It doesnt matter what I want or what the players want it what sloan wants.

AK watcher | 12:05 p.m. Jan. 17, 2008

I think that the Jazz would be stupid to trade AK for Marion, or anyone else for that fact. He makes the Jazz a great team when he is playing. The Jazz have shown a interest in keeping him by running plays for him, notice the Matt plays. He makes the shot in that play. He is even better from longer range.

Hornacek? | 12:07 p.m. Jan. 17, 2008

There is much more to being a head coach than being able to tutor one guy on his shooting every now and then. Maybe Horny is head coach material but just because he was a good shooter and is spending some time here and there with Ak means nothing. It's like saying Ty Detmer threw with the QBs a bit during spring ball so he should be the next head coach.

What? Real inside info | 12:32 p.m. Jan. 17, 2008

My wife's sister's dog's friend's owner works at costco and over heard AK saying he loves the jazz and wants to stay forever!

BJ Jazzy - Read it for yourself | 12:36 p.m. Jan. 17, 2008

Ronnie Brewer's comment in the trib... about the Northwest Division being the most important thing to "him" and that he didn't know about everyone else...EXPOSES THE BIGGEST ISSUE FACING THE JAZZ. THIS TEAM IS NOT ALL TOGETHER YET. THAT MY FRIENDS, IS SLOAN'S FAULT. AND YES, IT STARTS WITH COACH. D-WILL AND BOOZ WANT TO BE THE VOCAL LEADERS OF THE TEAM. IF WINNING THE NORTHWEST DIVISION IS NOT CLEARLY ONE OF THE "WRITTEN DOWN AND DISCUSSED" GOALS OF THE JAZZ, THAN THAT TELLS ME THAT THEY'RE ALL JUST GOING OUT NIGHT AFTER NIGHT, AND "SEEING WHAT HAPPENS."

KOC and LHM have brought a tremendous amount of talent
to this city. Enought to WIN a CHAMPIONSHIP.

What is lacking though, is CHAMPIONSHIP VISION. I've always wondered how the JAZZ TEAM communicates and converses about when it comes to goals. Do they even know that a goal is NOT a GOAL unless it is WRITTEN DOWN?

ATTN: Larry Miller- We need a new coach that has players who know what the COMMON goals of the team are.

Fan | 12:48 p.m. Jan. 17, 2008

Reading all the experts makes me apprieciate Jazz management even more.

AK GONE IN 3 WEEKS | 12:49 p.m. Jan. 17, 2008

You heard it here!

idaho falls | 1:09 p.m. Jan. 17, 2008

AK is not going anywhere...I guarantee it. Marion would not help this team and AK is far better than CJ Miles by miles. You need salary cap space for a DWILL max contract. I guarantee you DWill will leave if not given one. He might leave anyway. Remember the comments he made when asked if being benched during the first part of his rookie season bothered him? He basically said it was something he would not forget. We need AK and possibly need money for another point guard.

The Truth | 1:57 p.m. Jan. 17, 2008

Many Jazz fans don't know the first thing about basketball. I don't know if that will ever change!A.K. would like to be more of the man instead of playing second fiddle to Booz and D-will. I don't know if that will ever change! Sloan likes to coach un-athletic basketball players who understand pick and roll basketball. I don't know if that will ever change! Jazz management is in love with Jerry Sloan. I don't know if that will ever change! Jazz fans are tired of the lack of a Championship here in Utah. I don't know if that will ever change looking at the JAZZ from the outside. Good luck tonight against Denver the JAZZ are going to need it? Hopefully we will know the truth about the Jazz tonight and in the upcomming weeks....pretender? or contender? stayed tuned....it may make a difference come the trading deadline!!!!

So what you're saying | 2:41 p.m. Jan. 17, 2008

is you don't know if that will ever change.

Swelby | 2:44 p.m. Jan. 17, 2008

Caron Butler and Haywood for Kirilenko. I say take it.

Swelby | 2:47 p.m. Jan. 17, 2008

Butler and Haywood for Kirelenko, I say take it.

THE TRUTH | 3:59 p.m. Jan. 17, 2008

my next door neighbors,second cousin`s stepfather`s mistresse`s adopted grandchild`s uncle`s brother`s wife`s friend`s roommate`s pigeon trainer heard that we were going to get old what`s his name in a trade

Camby for AK | 4:57 p.m. Jan. 17, 2008

The Jazz are so defensively deficient -- as they have been every year without Mark Eaton -- they can't afford to trade a defensive player like AK unless they get a defensive upgrade in return.

For all his shooting, Korver is also a defensive upgrade from Giri.

So, unless the Nuggets are offering Camby, or someone else offering a Camby equivelent, then keep AK.

Sam on AK | 5:17 p.m. Jan. 17, 2008

30+ year coach perspective:

Jazz with AK and current Jazz roster in FULL health:

4-5 seed, 50% odds 1st rnd win, 30% odds 2nd rnd win, 1% odds WCF win, 20% odds NBA Finals win against Celtics, 70% odds NBA Finals win against Pistons (if Celtics not healthy-chuckle).

Jazz w/o AK:

30% odds of 8 seed, 100% odds 1st rnd exit

Wouldn't it be ironic if Jazz missed playoffs and Pistons won NBA Championship?

Duckman | 7:48 p.m. Jan. 17, 2008

AK gone, but with who in the package?

Jerry's been trying to showcase players.

Whose been getting the minutes?

Impressed | 9:46 a.m. Jan. 18, 2008

I am really impressed with Coach Sloans coaching.
I just love it when he doesnt prepare his team to
face road opponents. I just love it when he destroys
a young promising players confidence. Come Miller
its time................

Moto X | 9:50 a.m. Jan. 18, 2008

Re: ID Falls and all the rest of you salary cap know-it-alls

FACT: D-Will is getting his contract and we have the CAP to do it WITH AK ON THE TEAM!! FACT: LHM said so!! Why do you loons keep repeating its either or? STOP!!!

I am not sure whether AK will be here or not but it does not matter--the team is going to spend the money to keep D-Will. D-Will would have to be a financial imbecile not to take the HUGE money differential the Jazz can offer him in comparison to what ANY OTHER TEAM can offer. Of course it is possible for him to leave but HIGHLY UNLIKELY!!

Find a new topic--something you actually know something about would be nice.

The Jazz face a big dilemma, they have poor defense and their lone defensive player probably wants to leave the team. That said AK has not consistently been AK defensively. He has had some great games but his blocks continue to deteriorate. He is only a good help defender and not really good one on one defender. We have to upgrade defensively or we are toast. We have plenty of offense--we just don't stop anyone.

SerpicoNJ | 9:25 a.m. Jan. 19, 2008

I've been a Jazz fan for over 20 years and the biggest problem with the team is this. Their two best players, Williams and Boozer, are poor defensive players. So what do they do? It's tough not offer them max contracts when the time arises, but by doing that, they're then locked in for years and years with players who can't defend. And not for nothing, even AK is just above average on defense. He's not great, just great as a help defender. He was torched by Ginobli last year in one on one situations because he's the complete opposite of agile and fluid. So what do they do? I say they trade one of their twos (I say Almond from d-ball) along with Okur for someone like Dalembert or Ratliff. This would bring a much needed inside shot blocking presence and would also free Kirilenko up some in not having to rush the basket to help the inept Boozer and Okur. And yes, we'd missOkur pulling a defender to the line when on offense but so what? This team needs defense.

Jazz Fan | 9:53 a.m. Jan. 19, 2008

The entire Jazz team needs a boot in the behind and play like a team....plus guard people....it's like the parting of the Red Sea any time someone wants to drive the key. I've have noticed a lack of interest of the rebounders to battle for rebounds against the teams who crash the boards seriously. Teams like the Clippers, Sonics should never beat the Jazz on any floor. It is like I have suggested in the past....the Jazz are a journeyman team, and will have no chance to compete for the championship. Last year raised false expectations. No way were they going to be in the hunt for the ring. At number nine in the Western Conference at the present time is about all I can see for them under the current conditions. I see no real chemistry and drive among the players. They are just going through the motions in my opinion since they ran into a brick wall in December. It seems there are individual agendas on this team and there appears to be no solution coming from the coaches or management to change the situation. Nevertheless, the Jazz are about all we can expect for our entertainment dollar.

Anonymous | 12:38 p.m. Jan. 19, 2008

The Laker Need a trade with the suns. (TRADE NOW)

Heres a thought | 2:58 p.m. Jan. 19, 2008

I think the Lakers should trade Lamar Odom straight up for Amare Stoudemire. Lamar is too inconsistent and doesn't play with any passion or consistency.

Odom for Stoudemire | 9:48 a.m. Jan. 20, 2008

That was the dumbest comment anyone has posted on this article. Also, don't forget Marion has a no trade clause in his contract and probably wouldn't go to Utah even if the two teams wanted it.

Anonymous | 9:38 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008

Trade Lamar Odom for Shawn Marion

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Jazz notes: Kirilenko putting up some ridiculous shooting stats

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Reader comments Jazz notes: Kirilenko putting up some ridiculous shooting stats

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Jazz notes: Kirilenko putting up some ridiculous shooting stats