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Jazz players have summer reunion on Chinese court
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modernagejazz | 6:50 a.m. Aug. 4, 2008
Hey Gary S.,
I agree with you. But I heard Boozer stumble over his words once. Remember what he said after the Jazz went um 2-0 against the Rockets last playoffs? Something like "We won't be coming back here". Provoking the Rockets like that and playing once as if home games were guaranteed killed the Jazz against the Lakers, who knew that giving the Nuggets any sign of live could hurt them later.
Anyways, hope to see AK rocking this next season! o/
I agree with you. But I heard Boozer stumble over his words once. Remember what he said after the Jazz went um 2-0 against the Rockets last playoffs? Something like "We won't be coming back here". Provoking the Rockets like that and playing once as if home games were guaranteed killed the Jazz against the Lakers, who knew that giving the Nuggets any sign of live could hurt them later.
Anyways, hope to see AK rocking this next season! o/
Anthony | 6:58 a.m. Aug. 4, 2008
I watched the entire game. I haven't seen AK being that agressive for a
long time. He's the go to guy of team Russia, while only being the 4th or
5th guy in Utah.
He did manage to score the most for Russia, but his shooting, one on one still have a lot of room to improve. So I hope he accept his role in Utah and play with the same effort.
Go AK go Jazz
He did manage to score the most for Russia, but his shooting, one on one still have a lot of room to improve. So I hope he accept his role in Utah and play with the same effort.
Go AK go Jazz
Comments continue below
Anthony | 7:00 a.m. Aug. 4, 2008
IF we can get more out of Boozer, we might be cutting the nets down...
benton | 7:23 a.m. Aug. 4, 2008
are you kidding me Gary??? Boozer's commments were a complete shot at AK.
AK is going to take that as he doesn't work hard enough in a jazz uniform!
Its funny, cause boozer is the one all the reporters are interviewing but he is
the one playing the least minutes on the team. Its like he is begging for
attention! Booz is the one that needs to sit back and reflect with all that
time on the bench...he needs to watch how hard everyone else plays compared to
him. Maybe he just doesn't want to "tweak his hammy" again....
Jazz dancer | 7:47 a.m. Aug. 4, 2008
A.K. can't play like that here - grumpy old Sloan won't let him.
AK Boo-birds? | 7:58 a.m. Aug. 4, 2008
NO doubt AK plays the game consistently well in international play--even against
the world's best! He was ALL over the court in Russia's game vs USA;
had 18 points (by finding or making his own plays without a great guard-line to
help in assists) and 8 rebounds. Was also the go-to player in and MVP of the
'07 Euro-championship games.
The missing part of the equation for motivating AK's Jazz-play lays on Sloan's shoulders--to find or develop a way to motivate this bright star's 'star'-potential and to increase his level, intensity and consistency of play. This kid CAN play the game well and actually got physical, in his international play over the past year.
To anyone who thinks he should be traded, the light shoulda finally clicked "on"! Consider instead that with just a little more of a persuasive or encouraging court-side manner, a little better coaxing (by Sloan), is ALL that's needed to instill the same passion and drive to lay it on the line, EVERY time--i.e. like Stockton and Malone! Constant 'negatives', i.e. berating, benching, overbearance of criticism, in-communicado (absent encouragement, patient mentorship etc.), isn't working for him, and doesn't for most people with any sense or sensitivity.
The missing part of the equation for motivating AK's Jazz-play lays on Sloan's shoulders--to find or develop a way to motivate this bright star's 'star'-potential and to increase his level, intensity and consistency of play. This kid CAN play the game well and actually got physical, in his international play over the past year.
To anyone who thinks he should be traded, the light shoulda finally clicked "on"! Consider instead that with just a little more of a persuasive or encouraging court-side manner, a little better coaxing (by Sloan), is ALL that's needed to instill the same passion and drive to lay it on the line, EVERY time--i.e. like Stockton and Malone! Constant 'negatives', i.e. berating, benching, overbearance of criticism, in-communicado (absent encouragement, patient mentorship etc.), isn't working for him, and doesn't for most people with any sense or sensitivity.
Dz | 8:21 a.m. Aug. 4, 2008
I am so tired of hearing... We'll AK just doesn't accept his role in
Utah or whatever other junk you are talking about. Remember, Kirilenko is a PF,
not an SF. And he plays out of his position. It is like telling Deron he sucks
because he can play the SF well when he is a PG/SG.
A.K. is the man! | 8:47 a.m. Aug. 4, 2008
Kirilenko gets a bad rap from Utah's fans. He's consistently defended
the interior better than anyone else in a Jazz uniform. Along with Millsap,
he's the only other Jazz player who intimidates opponents from coming down
the lane. When Andrei is active defensively, the Jazz usually win...and
they've won a lot in the last couple of years.
Go Deron | 8:56 a.m. Aug. 4, 2008
Jason Kidd should not be starting. Paul and Deron are the best point guards in
the league. Coach K seems to be using them well, though.
BTW-- Booz said we hope we won't be coming back here. He should be articulate. Duke doesn't recruit Prop 1 players.
BTW-- Booz said we hope we won't be coming back here. He should be articulate. Duke doesn't recruit Prop 1 players.
risky | 9:00 a.m. Aug. 4, 2008
Dwill has to share some of the blame for AK's "underperformance."
A little over a year ago, Williams admitted that he shut AK out of the offense
because he did not think AK worked hard enough in practice. How mature is that?
Benton | 9:08 a.m. Aug. 4, 2008
Very mature, if your the leader and you back it up by putting the time in
yourself! He should have said it with in the confines of the team but it still
should have been said.
yeah, yeah | 9:15 a.m. Aug. 4, 2008
i like basket ball but this is ridiculous, these guys are paid a kings ransom to
play a game...i pay my taxes and these guys travel the world...now because of
gas ...and the predicting heating costs..i have to give up my jazz tickets. but
go jazz anyways!
Boozer-Overrated | 9:20 a.m. Aug. 4, 2008
Hey Gary, get off the Boozer band wagon! If it wasn't for his horrible play
and lack of "DEFENSE", we probably would have had a chance to make it
to the conference finals!! Boozer is good, but everybody including him questions
his ability to play "defense" and also play big for the team when it
counts! AK played great, not to mention he had to guard the likes of Kobe Bryant
& T-Mac! Tell me this, why can Millsap come into a game 6 situation &
help make such a huge comeback? Defense & Hustle, something Boozer needs to
learn
Dero's Drays | 9:30 a.m. Aug. 4, 2008
Boozer is the one who needs to play with more effort. Yesterday's game
should have been a huge eye-opener for anyone questioning Andrei's ability
to play 4 in the NBA. He looked great. He scored from inside and out, played
great defense, passed the ball well, it was an outstanding performance against
the NBA's best.
If Boozer played with any kind of effort on the defensive end of the court we'd be a championship team. I can understand why Andrei is not happy in Utah...he probably can't stand watching Boozer play at 1/4 the energy level guys like AK and Millsap play at.
If Boozer would start to box out, play defense, hustle to loose balls, etc. we'd be a championship team. Until he starts doing all those little things, I think AK deserves a shot. He is a legitimate All-Star when playing the 4. Boozer can score points and that's about it.
If Boozer played with any kind of effort on the defensive end of the court we'd be a championship team. I can understand why Andrei is not happy in Utah...he probably can't stand watching Boozer play at 1/4 the energy level guys like AK and Millsap play at.
If Boozer would start to box out, play defense, hustle to loose balls, etc. we'd be a championship team. Until he starts doing all those little things, I think AK deserves a shot. He is a legitimate All-Star when playing the 4. Boozer can score points and that's about it.
Trex | 10:06 a.m. Aug. 4, 2008
Carlos needs to take a serious look in any nearby mirror before spouting off
about ANYONE on the Jazz roster. Giving back handed compliments like this is
bush league and I have absolutely never seen AK dog it. I would ask Carlos--how
would you feel, if after you have your first good game of next season, AK were
interviewed and said, "He was fantastic. If we were to get this kind of
effort out of him in the playoffs every time out, we might go somewhere."
AK holds himself back | 10:11 a.m. Aug. 4, 2008
It's not Boozer, It's not D-Will It's not Sloan, It's AK
100%. The guy is a very selfish basketball player and I don't think we will
get maximum production out of him unless he is the first option. If that happens
we will be a lotto team for sure.
Hollywood | 10:25 a.m. Aug. 4, 2008
How blind we are by mere totals.
Yes, AK scored 18 points. Care to guess what his percentage was? 6-14 on FG's and 6-12 from the line. A great game? Not by a long shot.
By all means make AK the focal point of the Jazz offense. Let him take 30 shots per game and see how far that FG% will get the team. I'd wager we'd be closer to the team that he "led" to a lottery pick than to a championship.
But I'm not about to defend Boozer, either. He is to defense what AK is to 3-pt shooting: embarassing.
AK IS a complementary player on offense IF you want to field a contender. I watched the Russia/US game. AK drove around Carmelo for most of his points. Last time I checked, Anthony plays SF for the Nuggets, not PF. U.S. team actually does not have much in the way of NBA-style PF's, opting for better shooters for the int'l game.
In the NBA, putting AK at PF would equal a quick trip to the hospital. He already misses several games each year with various injuries. Playing against physical PF's would mean foul trouble or injuries.
Yes, AK scored 18 points. Care to guess what his percentage was? 6-14 on FG's and 6-12 from the line. A great game? Not by a long shot.
By all means make AK the focal point of the Jazz offense. Let him take 30 shots per game and see how far that FG% will get the team. I'd wager we'd be closer to the team that he "led" to a lottery pick than to a championship.
But I'm not about to defend Boozer, either. He is to defense what AK is to 3-pt shooting: embarassing.
AK IS a complementary player on offense IF you want to field a contender. I watched the Russia/US game. AK drove around Carmelo for most of his points. Last time I checked, Anthony plays SF for the Nuggets, not PF. U.S. team actually does not have much in the way of NBA-style PF's, opting for better shooters for the int'l game.
In the NBA, putting AK at PF would equal a quick trip to the hospital. He already misses several games each year with various injuries. Playing against physical PF's would mean foul trouble or injuries.
magnus | 10:32 a.m. Aug. 4, 2008
I agree with the defenders of AK but have a little more respect for Boozer.
AK is one of the most versatile players in the NBA, maybe the world, he could start at 3 different positions, but in the NBA I think his natural position is the small forward.
Before Boozer started playing for the Jazz (2 years after he joined the team) AK was for the Jazz what he is now for Russia. Once Boozer came on board and his role started to diminish AK had a hard time adjusting, I mean their aren't many players who could go from the face of a franchise to a third or fourth option role player, in the prime of their career, and not have some growing pains. That's a tough thing to do, but I think AK is in a good place now and I think we will see more from him like we saw in the playoffs this year.
Boozer is a great player and the Jazz should keep him if they can, but if they do lose him, if they could pick up a tough PF/C like Okafor, Gooden, Haslem, etc. I think they could actually be better.
AK is one of the most versatile players in the NBA, maybe the world, he could start at 3 different positions, but in the NBA I think his natural position is the small forward.
Before Boozer started playing for the Jazz (2 years after he joined the team) AK was for the Jazz what he is now for Russia. Once Boozer came on board and his role started to diminish AK had a hard time adjusting, I mean their aren't many players who could go from the face of a franchise to a third or fourth option role player, in the prime of their career, and not have some growing pains. That's a tough thing to do, but I think AK is in a good place now and I think we will see more from him like we saw in the playoffs this year.
Boozer is a great player and the Jazz should keep him if they can, but if they do lose him, if they could pick up a tough PF/C like Okafor, Gooden, Haslem, etc. I think they could actually be better.
Sokol | 11:34 a.m. Aug. 4, 2008
I wish the Deseret News would put the feet to the
fire with these guys and ask them point blank:
"How do you explain Carlos, that many people question
your defensive prowess?"
"Andrei, how do you explain your erratic play? Are
you happy being the fourth or fifth option on the
team?
fire with these guys and ask them point blank:
"How do you explain Carlos, that many people question
your defensive prowess?"
"Andrei, how do you explain your erratic play? Are
you happy being the fourth or fifth option on the
team?
Re:AK holds himself back | 12:18 p.m. Aug. 4, 2008
Do you know anything about basketball? Do you actually watch the games? Ak is
constantly hustling and making plays offensively and defensively. Is that what
you call selfish? Get a clue about basketball. He's had to adjust to a
new role. That role doesn't always produce many points, but look at his
overall stat line. It's one of the best in the league. I'm guessing
in your little uneducated basketball world that equals selfishness. AK and
Millsap are the ONLY defense the Jazz have inside. Understand how the game
works before opening your pie hole.
RERE: AK HOLDS HIMSELF BACK. | 1:27 p.m. Aug. 4, 2008
Obviously you don't know anything about team offenses and different styles
of play. In russia he is their number 1 option. sloans system has always
centered around a point guard and power forward. and with the addition of boozer
and d-will he has become insufficent. BUT it's not their faults for holding
him back. If that was an excuse then I guess Shane Battier would be out of a job
right now. But even if he was in memphis playing they wouldn't be a winning
team. So before you bash me you may want to learn something about team
commitment and a thing called the Salary Cap which AK is consuming all of. And
here you are making excuses trying to justify why he's worth that amount of
money. But to a BYU fan who thinks that just getting to the NCAA tourney is
success I think I'm waisting my time with this.
DWill FTW | 1:53 p.m. Aug. 4, 2008
AK aside, it was good to see Dwill out there dishing it and taking it to the
hole.
Jason Kidd should not be starting and I expect to see Dwill replacing him once the regular oly games begin . . .
Jason Kidd should not be starting and I expect to see Dwill replacing him once the regular oly games begin . . .
Mr. Boozer... | 2:20 p.m. Aug. 4, 2008
...can say all he wants. However, until he proves he can play like an All-Star
AN ENTIRE SEASON and not just for a few months I will be blaming him mostly for
the Jazz's early exit from the playoffs.
re: Hollywood | 2:45 p.m. Aug. 4, 2008
Let him shoot 20-30 shots. And then will see what's gonna happen . btw
AK's 3point shooting is one of best in Jazz, I mean %. AK played at 4. Did
not injured as you said. So you don't know anything about AK and Jazz.
Better follow your Fakers I guess it's closer to you.
To AK bashers | 7:08 p.m. Aug. 4, 2008
I assume all of you have been watching the Jazz behind Sloan. AK got his big
contract because before Boozer and Williams, when the Jazz were rebuilding, AK
kept the audience and kept the Jazz from collapsing completely. During that
time when AK played so well and got his contract, the Jazz were so fun to watch.
Everyone played, not just the guard to power forward that had become so
perdictable and somewhat boring with all due respect to Karl and Stockton. The
success of Sloan as a coach of that building team without AK would not have been
worth mentioning, in my opinion.
AK is still the most versitile player on the team and when he isn't be marginalized by the coach and neglected by his teammates in the game, he can still create more excitement in the game than anyone except perhaps DWill when he decides to take over a game and disregard Sloan's unidimensional offense of "Stocton to Malone", ooops, I mean DWill to Boozer. Boozer will never be as fun to watch as Karl Malone. DWill is already as exciting to watch as Stockton, no desrepect to Stockton, it is just DWill's style.
AK is still the most versitile player on the team and when he isn't be marginalized by the coach and neglected by his teammates in the game, he can still create more excitement in the game than anyone except perhaps DWill when he decides to take over a game and disregard Sloan's unidimensional offense of "Stocton to Malone", ooops, I mean DWill to Boozer. Boozer will never be as fun to watch as Karl Malone. DWill is already as exciting to watch as Stockton, no desrepect to Stockton, it is just DWill's style.
Ryan | 9:08 p.m. Aug. 4, 2008
I like pizza
AK's a pouter | 9:39 p.m. Aug. 4, 2008
How many people actually watched this game? I was AT the game. AK several
times spiked the ball out of frustration and was constantly complaining to the
refs. It reminded me why I don't like his style of play...
AK showed emotion | 1:24 p.m. Aug. 5, 2008
I like how AK showed his emotions. You can hardly call him a pouter, when you
have D. Wade and Lebron who think they have never committed a foul in their
life. He played hard and looked good despite shooting a poor percentage.
RE: To AK Bashers | 5:00 p.m. Aug. 5, 2008
That still doesn't change the fact thats he only worth about 2.5 million
dollars per year.
RE: Boozer | 9:04 a.m. Aug. 6, 2008
I have repeatedly seen these "backhanded compliments" from Boozer and
am sick of them. Seems he can't give a compliment to a teammate without a
jab accompanying it. It's like he's afraid to lift someone else up
because it might shatter his image. He should take a page from DWill's
book and learn how to actually give a REAL complement.
To Ryan | 11:40 p.m. Aug. 7, 2008
Me too.
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Liu Jin, Getty Images
Russia's Andrei Kirilenko, right, dribbles the ball past Chris Bosh of Team USA during Sunday's Olympic warm-up game in Shanghai.
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1. Maybe Carlos Boozer is right. If Kirilenko can get consistent next season, the Jazz have a decent shot.
2. Boozer is such a great ambassador for the Jazz. Just read and hear everything he tells the press. He never stumbles over his words, always has something interesting, positive, and articulate to say, and always compliments and encourages his teammates. His words exude teamwork, people skills, and I daresay charity. What a good example for the rest of the NBA!