Deseret News | Kirilenko's all-around play has Jazz on streak

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Kirilenko's all-around play has Jazz on streak

pdhitman | 2:26 a.m. Nov. 16, 2007

Good thing jazz didn't push AK47 trade request.

TEJA | 4:48 a.m. Nov. 16, 2007

If AK-47 keeps his game up, I wouldn't want to trade him. He should be happy being a statistical beast once again!

Jimmy's Sneakers | 6:40 a.m. Nov. 16, 2007

Jimmy is content that AK is content. But where was this ok to not score attitude at this summer when he was asking for a trade?

Comments continue below

Kyle | 7:01 a.m. Nov. 16, 2007

Kirelinko has been amazing. I hope all those people who were calling for a trade a few months ago have realized how foolish that would have been. Jerry's changing demeanor seems to support Andre's requests for kinder coaching.

Kevin of Arkansas | 7:31 a.m. Nov. 16, 2007

Good job Andre, I have always been a big fan of you.

KIP | 7:40 a.m. Nov. 16, 2007

ISN'T EVERYBODY GETTING JUST A LITTLE TIRED OF PATTING AK ON THE BACK FOR JUST DOING HIS JOB?

AK's Game | 8:15 a.m. Nov. 16, 2007

This is what he was doing when he earned that big contract. He finally realized that the Jazz were giving him max money to be a all-around basketball player not a point scorer. Maybe, AK can make it back to the All-star game, I know that this is premature, but that's how he got there the first time.

matt | 8:15 a.m. Nov. 16, 2007

The resurgence of AK47 just shows what a capable coach Sloan is. He recognized that in order to get AK to play to his potential he would need to change how he played him. Sloan made some adjustments, is willing to praise him more openly, and AK has responded. The season is still early, but the impact that AK brings to games could be the difference between a good year and a great year.

AK for President!!! | 8:33 a.m. Nov. 16, 2007

I have been sick of low basketball IQ guy (that includes Pace Mannion, he must have so blackmail material on Larry H. or how would he have a job?) blaiming AK for not scoring. He is one of the few people (there are maybe 3 in the league) that can affect the game without touching the basketball. For example, Jason Hart was looking bad early, and still looks bad but has been improving the past few games, why? The rotation changed instead of Deron and AK going off the court, only Deron has been sitting. Result, AK has done the little things to help Hart on the court. Another example AK is our defense. Booz and Okur are suspect defensive players at best. Count the number of shots that AK forces player to change. It doesn't go on a stat sheet, and it make a bigger difference then AK getting ten more points a night. We have enough scorers on the team, we need AK for everything else.

Keep AK | 9:04 a.m. Nov. 16, 2007

I hope AK is happy, because I am happy with what I am seeing him do on the court. He's still a bit overpaid, but we wouldn't be able to get any better by trading him: we have enough scorers. We need a hustle guy like AK to get those deflections, blocks and steals. He's invaluable to the team right now.

Moto X | 9:05 a.m. Nov. 16, 2007

I heard LHM on the radio last night. He said he makes a conscious effort to talk with AK regularly when he is around SLC. He feels that AK is playing hard and feeling better about things. He said he does not think AK is playing hard just to improve his trade value so the Jazz can move him.

I sure hope not--AK is dangerous when he is on his game. Rest assured, if AK does demand a trade again LHM will not pull the trigger if the trade does not potentially benefit the team. That is why AK did not go at the end of this past summer. We may have been able to get Marion (short term) but we would have had to take Banks lousy contract. Franchise buster--no go. The Jazz were not that desperate.

Better to roll the dice, look what the team did last year even with poor AK stats. This year with him busting his tail we should be even better. Once we play some more quality teams/finish this 15 of 21 road trip we will have a good indicator of what we have this year. We have beaten few good teams thus far.

Jazzman | 9:09 a.m. Nov. 16, 2007

KIP - I will give anyone a pat on the back that almost averages a triple double.....even if it is Jaron Collins!!

sparks24 | 9:42 a.m. Nov. 16, 2007

This blog is amazing a few monthe ago most of you wanted AK47 traded. I said then and will say it again if the Jazz trade AK47 you can get used to losing. The Jazz will return to a 42-42 team. So Jazz fans who booed AK turn in you season tickets.

Urnext | 9:52 a.m. Nov. 16, 2007

KIP, I'm not tired of people patting AK on the back but I am tired of people who post on message boards in all CAPS. The Jazz knew what they were doing when they didn't trade for Marion.

AK haters! | 9:55 a.m. Nov. 16, 2007

All you AK haters from the preseason need to come forward and apologize. Most fans only see two things when they watch a basketball game, the player who has the ball and the box score. There is so much more to the game than that. AK does all the intagible things,he alters twice as many shots as he blocks, but that doesn't show up in the box score so most fans don't even notice. Open your eyes and watch all 10 players on the floor and you'll see what a beatiful and intricate game basketball really is.

See ya Sloan! | 10:27 a.m. Nov. 16, 2007

I will not apologize for my criticism of AK, although I will apologize for questioning Jerry Sloan. Trust me, I get that Salt Lake City is somewhat foreign for NBA players to commit their careers to, but I have always felt that Sloan was to blame as well. He's bitter and old school which equates to stubborn. My question is, why all the sudden the change? Money? New wife? Russian Moffia? Deron? Boozer? Larry? Religion?

#1 utah balla | 10:29 a.m. Nov. 16, 2007

I think we need to thank Larry and Jeff. Larry kept AK during the off-season, when he could have easily moved him. Then we'd end up with some other high priced guy that would'nt bring as much to the table. Jeff has really been amazing in this as well. He flies in 2 times a week to help AK on his shooting. A different perspective for him is what he needed. The real hero though is AK. He could easily not put up the numbers he is right now. He's a statsmagician. If he continues this, lets pat him on the back every second of the day.

Teerlinka | 10:56 a.m. Nov. 16, 2007

You gotta love it baby! Kirlinko belongs in Utah! Utah has always been a team which plays team basketball and that is what makes them so fun to watch. Kirlenko is a team player and we are lucky to have him. We need to treat him with the respect that he deserves and has deserved ever since he came to Utah. Kirlenko doesn't have a bad bone in his body! I love Kirlenko!!!

Many games to Play! | 11:47 a.m. Nov. 16, 2007

There are still a lot of games to play. I'm still in favor of AK for the Matrix!

Anonymous | 11:51 a.m. Nov. 16, 2007

This has got to be tough on Jerry seeing the results that biting your tongue and being nice can have when motivating certain personality types...Stockton, Malone, Boozer, Williams, etc. were able to respond to the Jerry "you guys are worthless" rant. Kirilenko is motivated differently. With Kirilenko you get more with praise than publicly challenging his manliness.

Please | 12:00 p.m. Nov. 16, 2007

Is anyone else sick of the comments about how "you utah fans who wanted AK gone in the offseason, need to apologize." Give me a break. AK was the one the whole time who wanted to leave, so how can any fan hearing that be pleased with him. It's great that he is playing so well and things seem to be smoothed over, but let's wait and see how things unfold down the road and not just after 9 games. Hopefully he can continue to play well and the Jazz can continue to improve.

Shawn | 12:23 p.m. Nov. 16, 2007

AK-47 has done an awesome job this year. He continues to come up with near triple-doubles night in and night out. He plays very unselfishly. It appears, as is the case in so many other situations, that the best trade is no trade. Keep up the good work, Andre.

Whinealinka | 12:40 p.m. Nov. 16, 2007

No, I still AK is paid too much to have such a negative attitude. With all the cash he was just sittin around watching Russian soaps. He should get off his couch and do something for his community instead of whining about making millions for shooting hoops.

BombJovi | 12:59 p.m. Nov. 16, 2007

Okay, he's improved his play and dispensed with the attitude but what about that haircut?

John | 1:06 p.m. Nov. 16, 2007

Since this is basically the same Jazz team that couldn't get to the conference finals, there is no reason to think they can improve on that, unless someone like AK steps it up and gives them the added boost they will need to get over the top.

If he keeps it up, they can start thinking about the finals. If he falls off again, they will end up just like they did last year.

page | 1:07 p.m. Nov. 16, 2007

when i was coaching high school, we had a point guard that would throw the ball away, and everyone would want to pull him out of the game,then a few plays later he would make a steal get a great assist make a few basket.what i am saying is last year AK would take a bad shot or make a bad pass and slone would pull him out.AK-47 has to have minutes to exceed. hope you learned your lesson coach slone,leave AK alone and take the good with the bad. because you will get a lot more good than bad with AK.Give larry miller credit because slone wouldn't change without LM stepping in. go jazz never miss a game

Booyah | 1:43 p.m. Nov. 16, 2007

Those who wanted to trade AK this summer are the same fickle fans who wanted to trade Boozer a year and a half before that! What a joke! Stick with your players through some tough times, don't just cheer for them when they're on top of their game and healthy! AK is brilliant and I hope he always remains a Jazzman!

Anonymous | 2:09 p.m. Nov. 16, 2007

Please. He is simply building his resume. He does not want to be a second/third/fourth scoring option. He does not want to be a cast player. He wants to be the MVP he proved this summer at the European games, having all of Russia adore him! He is emotionally stunted, athletically gifted and is putting on a "Come on ,you can afford me, make me a hero in your town" attitude." He won't be here more than another year. Too bad, he's a good player. But he doesn't think like JS or Karl. It's a whole different ballgame. For that matter, Deron and Carlos will eventually be lured to larger markets with more endorsements potential and hero status. We'll always have the pure white overachievers wanting to make a name for themselves here in predominantly caucasian Utah market. I'm surprised we still have a professional basketball team. One of the pitfalls of urban-based athletic games.

seriously | 2:14 p.m. Nov. 16, 2007

If AK was utilized properly last year, wouldn't the Jazz already win the Championship?

If you think Sloan is doing a great job this year, that basically means he did a lousy job last year by reducing AK to a spot jumpshooter.

Re: Sparks24 | 2:32 p.m. Nov. 16, 2007

Just a friendly tibit of information: a team cannot go 42-42. Here in the NBA, we play 82 games.

42 + 42 = 84

Re: Booyah | 2:36 p.m. Nov. 16, 2007

If a player completely rips his team and whines for a trade based on "wanting more touches", you bet he is going to get criticized. How detrimental is that to a team? He basically said, "I want to take away Booz, Memo, and Williams from the offense so I can feel warm and fuzzy." What a slap in team concept's face.

If same said player does a 180, shapes up, and elevates his game to another level, wouldn't you say that you have the right to welcome him back? I'd say so. AK was way out of line with his unprofessional and childish behavior.

If a player is willing to shape up and play his way through his ego, you bet he gets redeemed. It's called forgiveness, "Booyah".

Also, AK being on top of his game had nothing to do with fan's discontent. He played with a grudge the entire last season - he even admitted it!

All and all, I hope AK sticks around. I was critical of him when he was whining, and I am cheering for him now. No shame in it. He changed his attitude, and he made me change mine.

Re: seriously | 2:46 p.m. Nov. 16, 2007

As I recall, AK was utilized last year. He was AWOL against the Spurs. I think that's why they didn't win a championship. Also, AK played with a grudge the entire season. He is at fault for not putting on his game face, and he has only himself to blame. Fortunately, he's playing great now and we're glad to see the change.

As far as "winning the championship", the Jazz's braketing in the playoffs was a gift last year (thanks to GState), but they had to face SA eventually. They benefited from getting the Warriors in the second round, and they won't be as fortunate this year. Let's hope they're up for the challenge, because it only gets harder from here on out with the Jazz being on the map again and teams actually scouting them.

TYLER | 3:04 p.m. Nov. 16, 2007

I've always said trading AK would be stupid! He's very valuable to this team! It annoyed me so much how he got all this attention for crying. So What! He's got so much desire to be a part of the game and succeed he sheds some tears! Good for him! I'd say the NBA needs players with more desire! Way to go AK!

Brian | 3:32 p.m. Nov. 16, 2007

Can anybody figure out what this paragraph means? It's appalling:

He is, which Kirilenko will have you believe ï¿½ no matter how he may have felt during the summer, and no matter he may or may not feel now ï¿½ is what really matters.

Pathetic | 4:00 p.m. Nov. 16, 2007

First everyone wants to get rid of him. Next he is wanted by everyone. He is playing how he should have been in the first place.

GNOM | 11:57 p.m. Nov. 17, 2007

KIRILENKO IS A VERY VERSATILE PLAYER. EVEN IF HE DOESN'T SCORE, HE'LL HELP IN OTHER CATEGORIES ESPECIALLY IN BLOCKS AND STEALS. THAT'T S WHY KIRILENKO IS VERY VALUABLE IN UTAH. I LIKE TO SEE HIM AVERAGING AT LEAST 4 BLOCKS A BALLGAME. I ALWAYS UTAH BECAUSE OF THE TENACITY OF AK-47.",

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Kirilenko's all-around play has Jazz on streak