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Utah Jazz to Recognize Andrei Kirilenko

Joe Bagadonuts said:
I loved Kirilenko's game when he came into the league, and his enthusiasm and drive was infectious. He practically invented the move where he'd get beaten by his man and then block them from behind. I remember a game where he did it to Kobe several times. He was so far into that guy's head on that day. Kirilenko in his first few seasons was extremely fun to cheer for. But unlike Stockton and Malone and Hayward and Favors he did not improve in the off seasons, especially once he got his big contract. He came back each year as the same player or less. I never hated Kirilenko, but I can understand why some people did. And BTW, he's got the worst back tattoo in history.
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He started getting 5x5's after the contract. This narrative that he never improved is false.
 
b_line said:
He started getting 5x5's after the contract. This narrative that he never improved is false.
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Joe Bagadonuts said:
What year did he sign his max deal? Looks like his best season was his fourth, and he regressed after that. These stats feel like they match my recollection:
https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/kirilan01.html
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He peaked in his 3rd and 4th year.

So at least the majority of his big contract he was worse than pre/early big contract
 
Someone already beat me to the point, but I think the downfall of Kirilenko was actually the signing of Boozer. As a PF, Kiri could use his quickness to face up slower players, and his blocking skills were much more effective while defending fours. While he had the quickness to stay with any position on the court, AK would often be matched up against the opposing team's shooter, which limited his ability to roam. And on offense, AK as a small forward meant that he couldn't play his face up game or be involved in as many pick and rolls. While our team was still great at that point (Deron/Booze/Okur/AK), I would have loved to see the Jazz become an up-tempo team with another well-rounded small forward and AK at the four.

I'm glad the Jazz will honor him, but is this a gentle way of saying that he isn't getting his number in the rafters?

Also, he doesn't have the worst back tattoo.

uglybacktattoo.jpg
 
Strutter said:
Someone already beat me to the point, but I think the downfall of Kirilenko was actually the signing of Boozer. As a PF, Kiri could use his quickness to face up slower players, and his blocking skills were much more effective while defending fours. While he had the quickness to stay with any position on the court, AK would often be matched up against the opposing team's shooter, which limited his ability to roam. And on offense, AK as a small forward meant that he couldn't play his face up game or be involved in as many pick and rolls. While our team was still great at that point (Deron/Booze/Okur/AK), I would have loved to see the Jazz become an up-tempo team with another well-rounded small forward and AK at the four.

I'm glad the Jazz will honor him, but is this a gentle way of saying that he isn't getting his number in the rafters?

Also, he doesn't have the worst back tattoo.

View attachment 4725
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Hmm. Is it worse to tattoo your children onto your back or some sort of image of your ********* being kidnapped by a freaky creature and a bunch of maggots? I still think that Kirilenko has the worst back tattoo in history.
Blog_JazzAK_051011~1.jpg
 
Nice article:

https://www.deseretnews.com/article...-left-his-heart-in-Salt-Lake-City.html?pg=all

“I definitely met my own expectations — you know, skinny kid coming here from Russia, no language, first time outside the country,” he said. “I wouldn’t say I’ve been a superstar in the league, but I would say I definitely been an elite player and a good player in this league.”

Fan expectations?

“I feel like I probably could have been a little more effective, but if there was only one change I’d make in my career, it would be if I could cut my injuries in half.”
 
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You can say what you want about Kirilenko but averaging 3.3 blocks per game both in 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 season was something incredible for a small forward!
 
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