AK-47's Last Resort

[Reckless]

Andrei Kirilenko highlights of the past couple of seasons:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0T7-fa9ze-A

[cavsfan_osiris]

Nice vid, AK-47 is one of my favorite players. His game is so nice. An elite defensive SF/PF with a good feel for the game.

He needs to forget about how much he's getting paid and whether he's a #1, 2, 3, or 4 option offensively. It doesn't matter. Just go out there and ball like we know you can and you'll effect all aspects of the game.

[d-will8]

When AK's on his game there are few players who can affect a game in more ways on both ends of the floor and few players I'd rather watch. Great mix.

[GP]

He might be the best passing sf/pf in the league, its too bad, I really feel he can flourish in a more open system. If we would have made those marion trade a year ago; to see AK in an open running system under D'Antoni would have been fun.

[carrottop12]

I would love to see him back down at PF where he belongs.

[erudite23]

I can't put into words just how much I miss the old AK. Seeing him for 80 games on top of his game individually would be more satisfying than winning 50+ games for the year the way we play now. I love watching this Jazz team, and they play an exciting brand of ball....but AK at his peak is unlike anything I have EVER seen on a basketball court. The way his career is going is a true tragedy.

[Getjazz]

I second that!!

[carrottop12]

I can't put into words just how much I miss the old AK. Seeing him for 80 games on top of his game individually would be more satisfying than winning 50+ games for the year the way we play now. I love watching this Jazz team, and they play an exciting brand of ball....but AK at his peak is unlike anything I have EVER seen on a basketball court. The way his career is going is a true tragedy.

It's true. Seeing AK in his prime was truly a work of art. What he could do on the basketball court was incredibly unique, and possibly the only thing the NBA will never see again.

A 6'9 basketball player with the handles of a PG, the shot blocking of the best Center in the league, and the ability to create plays that are usually only seen from the best wing players.

He was a refreshing sight in a league full of under talented over athletic jumpers.

[Getjazz]

The Jazz need to do that Wallace trade now. Let the man fly!!! The only problem is what is D WIlls true feelings about him? Would he support AK being more of the man around here?
Wallace would be a 18-20 point guy himself.
I just think that the Jazz will be hurt as a franchise if they don't see the writing on the wall and trade the Booz while they can.
If they do that trade next yr they get around 6 million alone off the books from the Max contract that Boozer would demand, compared to what Wallace will be making. Plus $2,484,000 from Hart, $2,074,302 from Collins, $2,500,000 from Sean May if he was included in the trade, and 6.5 mil the yr after when Harpring is up. That's more than enough to resign everyone else and still be able to bring in one more good mid level guy.
I guess its just a wait and see.

[cavsfan_osiris]

^ I think it's safe to say DWill would not be happy if Booz leaves.

Ya'll are talking about AK as if he's dead. He's still the great player he always was, it's just that he isn't involved offensively like he used to be. It's not his fault, the team is just really good and has a ton of options offensively.

[Getjazz]

True but Boozer is going to leave anyway. D Will knows that. That is why he wants a shorter deal with a opt out. The Jazz need to do something now to show the long term commitment he desires. Wallace is a good start.

[Batu7]

When watching Eurobasket 07, I remembered how great a player AK is. He just can't get the ball too much here. That's one of the reasons I want Boozer gone actually, but the downside of Boozer leaving is Deron might not be satisfied with the core we have without Boozer. I believe getting Wallace will be great cap-wise, and will have a positive effect on the team positively if AK returns to his Eurobasket form.

[russ1]

I honestly don't see how dwill could be frusturated if we lost a player who doesn't put forth the effort on the defensive end. Utah Jazz + Carlos Boozer = championships. If we lose boozer, I don't think AK should play exclusively at the 4. However, I would give him some minutes at the 4, preferably down the stretch.

[GP]

Seeing the old AK, just makes me want to trade him more. Lets face it, as long as AK is here we will never see his old form, it just isn't compatible with how the jazz are currently made up. Like others have mentioned there just isn't another player in the league who is like AK, so to see him "stuck" is difficult. Its odd, usually you want a player traded to get rid of him, but I would like to see AK traded so he can thrive in a new system.

[Soul Patch]

Having AK on this team is like taking care of an injured bird. You grow attached to it and want to keep it for yourself but in your heart you know you have to set it free.

[utjazzfan4life]

Seeing the old AK, just makes me want to trade him more. Lets face it, as long as AK is here we will never see his old form, it just isn't compatible with how the jazz are currently made up. Like others have mentioned there just isn't another player in the league who is like AK, so to see him "stuck" is difficult. Its odd, usually you want a player traded to get rid of him, but I would like to see AK traded so he can thrive in a new system.

Agreed. I would to see AK traded to a team he can be his old self because 1.) The player(s) we get in return for AK could only make us better considering the amount Andrei is helping us now and 2.) Andrei can get a fresh start on a team that will put him in position to showcase his tremendous ability. For example, I would probably order NBA league pass if Kirilenko were traded to lets say the Warriors or Suns, just so I can see him play three times a week in a system that will easily make him an All-Star again.

Its a win - win for everybody.