Andrei Kirilenko & Utah Jazz Had Rocky 2006-07 Season, Toronto Raptors & L.A. Lakers Trade Options?

September 19 07

Sometimes you can spot trouble brewing from a mile away. It’s like watching the bad guy lurking behind a bush in one of those B-rated movies. Or like Britney Spears performing at the recent MTV awards. You just knew it’s wasn’t going to end well.

I have to put Andrei Kirilenko’s relationship with the Utah Jazz in the same category. Not that AK-47 is a creepy dude chilling behind bushes or lip syncs bad teenage dance music. But you knew a Russian storm cloud was forming around Salt Lake City. Here’s why:

Kirilenko used to be The Man. For years, the Russian forward was Utah’s superstar. Now he’s the fourth wheel behind Carlos Boozer, Deron Williams, and Mehmet Okur. Such demotions rarely go well in the big ego world of the NBA.

Kirilenko signed a ’max’ contract and then struggled with the burden of being a top-paid player. He’s not alone here. Kenyon Martin, Keith Van Horne, and Steve Francis have had similar problems dealing with all that bling. Group therapy, perhaps?

Coach Jerry Sloan and Jazz owner Larry Miller mean well, but their personalities can wear on players. Both Sloan and Miller have had run-ins with Kirilenko over the past few months.

You all heard about Kirilenko crying in front of reporters. He was upset about his declining minutes and shrinking role. There’s nothing wrong with crying in interviews. Just ask Kevin Garnett...

Trading Kirilenko won’t be easy. He hasn’t played well. He makes too much bank. He clashes with his bosses. And he has a rep for being soft.

Toronto, also known as the NBA’s United Nations, is an option. They were interested in Kirilenko last season. And the Lakers are desperate to appease Kobe Bryant, so something could happen there.

But the Jazz have told their forward to report to training camp. So don’t expect a trade to take place anytime soon.

What will happen with Kirilenko? Get at us in the comment box below with your thoughts.

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13 Comments: Andrei Kirilenko & Utah Jazz Had Rocky 2006-07 Season, (...)

Posted by

on 10.14.2007

the perfect trade andrei kirlenko for odom kobe would love kirlenkohe doesnt shoot that much and his defense is so good then next season jermaine oneal opts out of his contract and the lakers sign him and the lakers dont need to give up bynum check it out for 2008-2009C-Andrew BynumPF-Jermaine onealSF-Andrrei kirlenkoSG-Kobe bryantPG-Derek Fisher .

Posted by
kya_Ley
on 09.24.2007

I see phoenix and jazz trade. .

Posted by
phoenician
on 09.20.2007

kobe jermaine and kirilenko??? interesting scene for the lakers...imagine if they were able to deal for kidd as well...too bad...all the what ifs for this pathetic ball club... its just fitting that we made you look bad during the playoffs...you suck and so does your front office...kirilenko to the suns...nash’s passing will make him shine .

Posted by
elbow
on 09.20.2007

send him 2 the rockets!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! we want him after what he did 2 us in the playoffs! he beats anyones shot in the leauge!!!!! .

Posted by
Jayfel Cantrell
on 09.20.2007

The Lakers don’t need the services of AK47. I say, the Bobcats right now are eyeying the Russian forward. He’ll fit well to their team and it would be very interesting to see J-rich and Ak47 banner the season for Charlotte. .

Posted by
b4hoops.blogspot.com
on 09.20.2007

The Lakers could play Kirilenko with Odom — that’s not the problem in my mind. I think Kirilenko could play the 3 with Odom at the 4. But, I don’t think Kirilenko is a triangle offense type player. He is very talented, particularly on defense, so Phil Jackson may be able to get him to fit within the triangle, but he wouldn’t be the ideal person to go after for a team that runs the triangle. Especially if the Lakers have to give up a lot to get him. If they can get AK for Kwame and Javaris, or Kwame and a pick, I’d say do it. But not otherwise. Kirilenko can’t pa-------very well, which is key to the triangle offense, and he’s not that great of a shooter, another key. .

Posted by
HoBanger
on 09.20.2007

Odom is a s---c**t .

Posted by
mr. roboto
on 09.20.2007

why would the lakers want kirilenko if they have odom?, they should trade odom and fillers for JO and then get AK47 .

Posted by

on 09.19.2007

OSandor drops another classic....Nice touch with garnett.. .

Posted by

on 09.19.2007

Toronto Raptors? That would be interesting but I have no clue who the Raps would give up for himwww. might need to take a look .

Posted by
Kurtis Murray
on 09.19.2007

Trade AK-47. He blames all his problems on other people including Kevin O’Connor, Jerry Sloan and Larry Miller. It’s your fault you sucked last year Kirilenko! Not Sloans. Sloan will make you better, but you just have to cry in front of the whole world because he’s a little hard on you. Grow Up Andre... Get out of Utah and stay out. The Jazz deserve better. Get Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks for AK and Giricek like they talked about last month.! PLEASE .

Posted by
CAM
on 09.19.2007

AK-47 is expendable... the Jazz have Millsap to replace him. My advice...let him out of his contract, then he can sign a new one for 20 million less and play for a team that will make him their superstar! Like the... Hawks, or Bobcats. .

Posted by
blaaat
on 09.19.2007

he sucks now man i didnt contribute to they lil run last year. williams jus came there and has more cred and respect than him now but becuz of his max contract hell be sticking around .

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	About Oly Sandor
Daily take on NBA Oly Sandor is an NBA analyst and sports journalist based out of Vancouver, Canada.After years of the free-lance game, Oly Sandor is bringing his unique brand of NBA analysis exclusively to (...) More

Andrei Kirilenko & Utah Jazz Had Rocky 2006-07 Season, Toronto Raptors & L.A. Lakers Trade Options?

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