Deseret News | Kirilenko praises Utahns, LDS to media in Russia

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Kirilenko praises Utahns, LDS to media in Russia

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Ruth Pratt | 12:17 p.m. Aug. 29, 2007

I enjoyed the reading and comments. I feel it was a good and honest report. People with the Mormon standards are attracted to the clean living and high standards, and caring ways for our families.

OK GO | 12:28 p.m. Aug. 29, 2007

This article had nothing to do with Larry Miller. Some people just have to make bad out of something good. AK is a stud!

Translator | 12:40 p.m. Aug. 29, 2007

Exactly right about "cult." In Russian, almost every religion is referred to as a "cult." It is the way they speak and call things. Also, regarding the question about a normal person, that is exactly what they asked. No real translation issues. It could possibly be translated as "average" person. But Russians really have no idea about the religion. In the sovsport article, they even asked if there is a 100 percent LDS population. Just goes to show that they don't know much about the state.

Comments continue below

JUJUBE | 1:27 p.m. Aug. 29, 2007

Seems like a nice guy. Trade him to Dallas. It wouldn't hurt to have another nice athlete living here; heaven knows we've had our share of bad apples. Then maybe he could go back home in the off-season and talk about how nice the baptist cult seems to be.

Russian Missionary | 1:30 p.m. Aug. 29, 2007

International Mormon, I loved your comments. In my opinion, too many Utah Mormons and for that matter, too many Americans lack perspective and exposure to other cultures and ways of thinking. I was an LDS missionary in AK's hometown of St. Petersburg in '93 - '94 and learned quickly of the use of the word cult. No offense intended. I am tired of local sports personalities laughing at foreign players' accents, grammar, etc. I'd love to see them speak English correctly, let alone another language. I love AK but he better learn to make a shot or be satisfied as a defensive specialist and take the trash he can pick up around the rim. Go Jazz!

AK 47 aka Closet Mormon | 1:56 p.m. Aug. 29, 2007

All AK has to do is accept his role as a defensive force and forget about being the man on offense. Last year was really the first year our new Jazz team has come together and played how they are supposed to. AK has now had a year to figure out his role and I expect him to embrace that role more this year and be a stud on the team. He will get his points the Harpring/Millsap way, by hustling. Other than that, he should speak good about Utah, Mormons, and our culture here, otherwise everyone would dislike him. Could you imagine if he ripped on Utah/Mormons in those interviews after his dissapointing year? If he did I would be on the trade him ship, but as for now I remain on lets see if he accepts his role and can help us win an NBA title ship. -Mr. Deron Miller

BVanner | 2:00 p.m. Aug. 29, 2007

I guess the fact his wife lets him stray once a year isn't that big a deal. This is purely rhetoric to finesse the Mormons in town, he doesn't mean any of this. The only part of this article that is true is "cult".

Larry H. Fan | 2:03 p.m. Aug. 29, 2007

Seriously Mr. Ha ha, you are a joke. First Larry H. Miller is a Mormon, and second when your name is your brand you put it on everything. Without Larry Millers contributions to our community our entertainment options would be very much limited. We should all embrace the man who gives us the Jazz, Miller motorsports park, the bees, the best movie theathers in the state (Megaplex), and much more. Oh, and did I mention he employs a healthy number of us. People who don't like Larry Miller and live in this state are out of thier mind.

BVanner | 2:13 p.m. Aug. 29, 2007

If you were getting paid max money and played as horrible as he did last year, you'd be doing anything in your power to create some positive PR with Jazz fans. What is the mormon population in Utah, 90%? Seems like the right route for me. With his contract, he is untradeable so what else do you expect him to do. The fact that his wife is hot doesn't mean he doesn't take her up on the agreement. He's not going to to speak about it in the papers after the outrage it caused last year. Nobody wants to play in Utah (Derrick Fisher), it's a last shot at staying the league for most players or a place to sign as a free agent for really big money.

KP | 2:17 p.m. Aug. 29, 2007

It's all PR, the winds will change when it no longer suits. All divas are fickle.

Brad F | 2:35 p.m. Aug. 29, 2007

I wonder if Kirilenko has ever seen 'Big Love'...prob not. I liked Dmitry from Russia's take on AK being a honest, outspoken guy, rather than this being a PR stunt. Maybe it is...so what? I don't think AK would say those things if he didn't really mean them. He prob has no reason to not like LDS people.
As for his on the court skills, AK's a great role-player w/ many intangibles and you need guys like that to win consistently on the big stage. Think about guys like Michael Cooper and Kurt Rambis w/ the Showtime-era Lakers. AK will never be the 17 point, 8 rebound per game guy 'cause they don't need him to be w/ Booze, DWill and Memo. I'll take 10 points on 45% shooting, 6 boards, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2.5 blocks per game from AK and be happy about it.

desert rat | 2:42 p.m. Aug. 29, 2007

What a great asset to the community and a great person! Makes me want to cheer for the jazz (when they're not playing the Suns).

AK#1 | 3:06 p.m. Aug. 29, 2007

I love AK! His show of emotion and love of the game fits great in Utah where we are Very passionate about both Family and Our Jazz! He Is An Excellent Fit! One day when sloan is gone, or opens his eyes, He'll see that. When he does, we'll see the true AK!!!!

Another take on "cult" | 3:10 p.m. Aug. 29, 2007

Hey folks, we need to work on our English a bit (not to mention being a bit less sensitive about our religion). Several people have already mentioned this in a fringe way, but didn't hit it very hard. The word "cult" CAN be used in a non-religious connotation, as it is in this story.

This quote is straight off dictionary.com - interesting they would use the same example that AK did.

"2. an instance of great veneration of a person, ideal, or thing, esp. as manifested by a body of admirers: the physical fitness cult."

Kev's Brother | 3:27 p.m. Aug. 29, 2007

Of late, I've been a little overly-critical of AK and even gone so far as to compare him to the whinniest of the league's whinners: Ainge! But, it's interesting how a little graciousness can warm the heart. No matter where you live there is positive and negative. I love that the Linx took the high-road in his public comments to the Russian press. Sounds like his attitude's in the right place. My Son lives in Russia and is a hard-core Suns fan, but I'm JAZZ all the way. You gotta love it baby!!!!

BVanner | 3:31 p.m. Aug. 29, 2007

CULT ure - by Kev's Bro. | 3:34 p.m. Aug. 29, 2007

Re-read and replace Cult with Culture. That's how I originally read it and it makes sense to me that that is what he was trying to say.

Nice posts Barton, Seedrock & Dean

Out-o-state mormon | 5:24 p.m. Aug. 29, 2007

In my opinion, you have to take the use of the word "cult" at it's face value, whether you like it or not. All these guys who claim to speak Russian might be able to form simple phrases but they are not experts by any means. A "cult" is defined as a religious group which denies the essential doctrines of Christianity. Another definition of "cult" is a group of people devoted to beliefs and goals which may be contradictory to those held by the majority of society. AK said "cult" so he meant "cult" and there's nothing we can do about it. So much for casting a positive light on our religion.

BostonMormon | 5:29 p.m. Aug. 29, 2007

The two definitions that "out-o-state mormon" used above are pretty accurate of the LDS religion. But it seems certain LDS are affraid of the word "cult". Why is that? As a mormon, I don't care if other religions consider me a non-christian or even a cult. I don't care what they think of me. I know who I am and what I believe. If anything, I would not want to be grouped in with mainstream Christianity because of all the negatives associated with it (ie, inquisitions, wars, murders, sex abuse, corruption, etc.)

GoJazz! | 5:40 p.m. Aug. 29, 2007

AK is welcomed in my home anytime. Few players play with the heart that I have seen him play with. We should be "proud" of what he has said about our culture here in Utah, so why question the motives? By the way BVanner, his name is Derek Fisher.Not Derrick. If you're going to go Spazz on the Jazz, then at least have the decency to get their names right.

In-State-Mormon | 5:59 p.m. Aug. 29, 2007

Dear Out-o-Stater:

Nice definitions. For those of us who do not own dictionaries, thanks for sharing with us.

One little flaw with your sanctimonious argument: You're supposing he said the dreaded C-word (he could have been mis-quoted or perhaps even some "mis-translation" occurred in the Russian press... Check Article of faith #8).

One big flaw with your argument. Regardless of what he said, YOU have no idea what he meant and I for one don't need you translating for me.

Don't condemn AK. It's posts like yours that cast a negative light on our religion.

P.S. How's the weather in Chico Kev?

KDB | 7:28 p.m. Aug. 29, 2007

Loved the article

AK's words warmed my heart

From a PR standpoint (I'm not questioning AK's sincerity or motives) it was absolutely brilliant.

It makes me like AK more than before.

Fact remains. We don't sign players to max contracts and keep them around signing all those checks just because they make great ambassodors to Utah.

I hope for AK's sake that he can re-ignite the fire. If he can get it back, this team will win a championship.

Go Jazz

Anyone for Kareokee? KLB RHB you guys missed out

Cali Colombia | 8:33 p.m. Aug. 29, 2007

Since AK gets a "free pass" one night each year, maybe the Big Love thing is not that important to Russian women.

GO JAZZ!!!

Bye Bye Miss American Pie

To BVanner | 9:02 p.m. Aug. 29, 2007

If you dislike Utah and the majority of it's people feel free to move out. There are 49 other states last time I counted. I think AK is the Man. His block shots are the best around. I respect many of the Mormon and Non-Mormon people in Utah. What a great state to live in!

XCountry Man | 9:22 p.m. Aug. 29, 2007

I think it's awesome AK loves Utah. His dedication to this state and its basketball team shows what kind of character he has. His appreciation for the Mormons was especially appreciated. Go AK!

Don's Girl . . . | 9:37 p.m. Aug. 29, 2007

Hey, I've enjoyed the comments. I can see where from most are coming from. I am an active mormon. I have kids living in China and appreciate good exposure to "The Mormon Culture". I think the article was positive and sincere. However, doesn't Larry sign the check for his Jazz Season? We can't help but remember the melt-down during play-offs. When it really counts it wasn't there. What a disappointment to the fans and to Larry. With no play off I had to take up Kareokee. Was a great time. It was good to have 'ole Dean Martin back. You could always count on him.

New Don | 10:25 p.m. Aug. 29, 2007

This season could be the dawn of a new era of basketball greatness for the Jazz. If AK can reload, and a two gaurd developes SLC will soon be title town. However no team has or ever will win the title being hamstrung with a max contract to mediocre player like AK was last year. But hey this could be a new dawn for AK and the Jazz. Lets just hope that next June we are rockin the Energy solutions center instead of the Kareokee machine

Limster | 11:12 p.m. Aug. 29, 2007

What else can I say? Andrei, you're a class act. True, he complained about not getting enough playing time. True, he also broke down and cried. True, he is always a man who loves his job and feels he can contribute. He's a person who is honest and upfront. Kudos to you AK!

Reeshard | 12:23 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Maybe Araujo can house sit for Andrei while he is in the states playing ball.

Maybe Harrison can teach Andrei the new member lessons before he leaves for training camp.

Alaska Jazz Fan | 12:26 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Great comments regardless of translation errors and who really cares if it is a PR stunt. At least it is positive when so many want to spin the negative.
AK will be fine if he deals with his role and relizes that you don't have to score to help your team win. I'd rather have his D and let Booz and Deron worry about the scoring. We haven't had any better defender than AK.
I hope he is back, helping the JAZZ to the Playoffs again.

LuDon | 1:18 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Andrei better get with the program or he will be left behind. This Jazz is going places!

Speaking of places, I sure feel sorry for you guys that have children living in Russia, China and all of those other horrible places. How do you sleep at night? But hey, I've got children living in Richfield... can't be much worse than that.

Wouldn't it be fun | 2:01 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Wouldn't it been fun if all all these people placing posts had to live and die by every word they use like celebs like AK do? Most of us wouldn't last a day. See you next year.

Manila Jazz | 5:07 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

This surely is not a PR stunt. If you followed AK47 ever since he joined the Jazz, he has always been honest with the media. Remember how honest and candid he was about his frustrations during the play-offs? I don't think any NBA player has ever been that honest in front of the cameras. He is the same honest person with their local media even though he's far away from Utah at this time. He truly is "in spirit, a Mormon"! Go JAZZ! Mabuhay ka, Andrei Kirilenko!

Hegg | 11:15 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

I understand that Larry always wanted to go on a mission someday. Maybe he won't have to he could baptize Ak at the Waters of the Mayan.We all need to unterstand that when someone gets paid the kind of money that Ak is getting he is expected to play hard every night whatever his role. You guys that coach little kids in Jr. Jazz expect at least that your guys play hard.So why the lets give the guy a break attitude?

MTN | 11:57 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

AK is clearly more articulate in Russian than English - even considering the snafus of translation.

AK's issue is not his role, it's his knee. Post-injury, he has settled for free-throws on drives that pre-injury were thunder-dunks.

25 year Jazz fan | 7:48 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

I greatly appreciate Andrei Kirilenko, his decency, his honesty, his values. I also enjoy the way he plays basketball. He is fun to watch. He is an asset to the team in so many ways.

For one thing you don't have to read in the papers or on the internet about his hanging out at the strip clubs, getting into bar fights or being one of several of the team members inviting a stripper back to the hotel for a good time.

Lets keep Andrei and trade someone else.

LaVar | 1:28 a.m. Aug. 31, 2007

I seen him once down to the Temple, he's real special and that. I think the holy spirit is moving in Andrei and he will soon enough see that the Church is true. Maybe Heavenly Father just wanted to keep him humble last year. Too bad he drinks the tea, though.

Idaho | 8:27 a.m. Aug. 31, 2007

LaVar That is ridiculous. Everything Andre just talked about the goodness of Utah, you just verified is opposite by your idiotic statement.

wow | 9:01 a.m. Aug. 31, 2007

WOW Lavar that was a to much info, and please don't say that in testimony meeting either that is a little much. At least he didn't say anything bad about us. That would only make things worse. So what if he cryed like a baby. He stepped up and helped the Jazz stick the dagger in Golden State, and the fact is he has been here six years and is the best defender to put on a Jazz uniform.

Spoiler | 2:52 p.m. Aug. 31, 2007

I still say AK is the 2nd best point guard the Jazz have ever had!

gus | 11:49 a.m. Sept. 1, 2007

hey spoiler since when is AK a point guard? Yeah he played it for like 10 minutes in the playoffs. but, he is not a point guard he plays small forward.

IdahoSlim | 9:32 a.m. Sept. 2, 2007

If AK embraces his role with the Jazz and the Jazz and their fans embrace him, good things will happen. Oh, also, AK is not a point guard or a center, he is a Defensive Lineman!

Maryland Baller | 3:24 p.m. Sept. 2, 2007

Utah is LUCKY to have AK-47! Our Wizards'll take him if you don't want him! He is seriously the MAN--and an imperfect season should be quickly forgiven considering all the amazing play he's given to the Jazz over the years. There's a LOT more to come!

Anonymous | 3:07 p.m. Sept. 3, 2007

LETS BAPTIZE ANDREI!!!! Then imagine how good he'll play next year!

to all the haters of AK he is in the NBA, not the NBDL, not the european leagues, THE NBA, and he has came out and said what he wants to, he has to say every word right or else everyone jumps on him, how would all of us survive if it was that way??? i wouldn't that's 4 sure

it might have had a little PR to do with it tho :)

I really enjoy watching him though, really exciting on defense, one of my favorite players

Aaron | 3:19 p.m. Sept. 5, 2007

Why do people have to be so cynical? This is no PR stunt. Andrei had a tough year, but has always been great to the media and fans, and I think he's speaking from his heart. I accept it as a sincere compliment and hope he plays well this season, and stays around for the rest of his career. To whoever that was who said no one wants to play in Utah, for the most part new acquisitions have said they enjoy it. Fisher's situation is unique and it's wrong to use him as an example. I think that he will always enjoy a special relationship and place in our hearts, which is all the more amazing when you consider that he was only here for a year.

Patti | 1:39 p.m. Sept. 6, 2007

Andrei has always been my favorite and he plays great. Just because he's not a ball hog like other folks makes him even better. And who cares if Utah is full of mormons, go aaway if you don't like it. By the way it is only about 40-50 % mormon, now. When I was growing up there it was about 75%, but not lately.Don't like anything Utah, go away!

Family Man | 10:43 a.m. Sept. 9, 2007

I like Masha's once-a-year freebie granted to Andrei. I wonder if I could get my wife to agree to that?

wishiniwasthere | 10:00 p.m. Sept. 15, 2007

It's always hard to go from center stage to supporting, but nobody on the Jazz can play better help "D". Don't believe go watch replays of Tim Duncan watching over his shoulder last year. Jazz have people that can score. Kudos to Linx for playing the role that doesn't carry a stat line even if he did complain. Jordan never won by himself, not Jabar, not Magic, not Bird. They'd have gone nowhere without Pippen and Rodman, Worthy and Silk, McHale, Parrish and Archibald. Won't happen without the likes of AK. Only one guy can be in charge, so he'll just have to play it Sloans way. If he's smart he'll listen. Look where he got Stockton and Malone.

G.R. "El Campeon" | 6:07 p.m. Sept. 19, 2007

Let Sloan and Kirilenko work out their problems and hopefully it get a solution, we need both in the team, the two of them, c mon jazz fans let all pull in the right and same direction, this season have to be ours, that elusive ring from the Stockton, Malone and Hornacek era I think is waiting for us this time, Utah Jazz #1 !!!!!!!!

P.D. My friend Fonzie Lopez and The Greek think the same, Go Jazz Go !!!

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