Kirilenko Receives Defensive Award in Euroleague

Deinonychus · Post #21 » by **Deinonychus** » Fri Apr 20, 2012 9:27 pm

Well another truth we have to face is that Kirilenko (despite his shortcomings) would be valuable as a role-player on our bench, especially if Millsap was traded for some reason or other.

He was injury-prone, he wasn't a light's out shooter, and yes, he did have some issues with mental fragility here and there. But you can't only look at those shortcomings and ignore everything else he brought to the team. He always played defense, he often created mismatches with his length and athleticism, he was a talented and willing passer, and he was a player who actually cared about the outcomes of games, and would hustle and play his heart out.

And to Spottieottie, I don't know why you think he was a terrible locker room player. Everything I remember being said about him by other players was complimentary, except for some comments made by Deron (who doesn't exactly get along with everybody). Honestly, I'm impressed that there weren't more locker room troubles with Kiri. He was essentially forced out of his position by the signing of Boozer, despite being an all-star at that position. He played out of position for years, moved in and out of the starting lineup and I never heard AK complain about that. The complaints from AK were that he felt like his communication with Sloan wasn't good (and if I remember right, Sloan admitted that he could have done better there) and that he wanted "touches" on offense (which many people mistakenly equated to wanting more shots) when the offense was indubitably better when he DID get more touches.

Sorry I'm sure this is coming off as "fanboyish" of me and I will admit I am a big Kirilenko fan, but I feel like these comments against him are only highlighting his weaknesses, without crediting his many strengths.

Spottieottie · Post #22 » by **Spottieottie** » Fri Apr 20, 2012 9:29 pm

Ak had several crying incidents, whining, butting head with coaches, etc. It happened. No one can deny he was mentally and emotionally fragile

babyjax13 · Post #23 » by **babyjax13** » Fri Apr 20, 2012 9:43 pm

kebutah wrote:It is time to face the truth. In his last five year contract AK missed an average of 16 games per year (82 total). Boozer missed 21 games per year (107 total) Boozers total included three years of 8, 1 and 4, and he had two extended injuries (49 and 45 games). AK was not more durable than Boozer. AK consistently missed more games per year if you exclude the one season ending Boozer injury.

Over the life of his contract Boozer missed 23 games per year.
http://www.basketball-reference.com/pla ... eca01.html

Over the life of his max contract, Andrei missed 19 games per year.
http://www.basketball-reference.com/pla ... lan01.html

They were both injured, but Boozer was injured more.

Deinonychus · Post #24 » by **Deinonychus** » Fri Apr 20, 2012 10:13 pm

Spottieottie wrote:Ak had several crying incidents, whining, butting head with coaches, etc. It happened. No one can deny he was mentally and emotionally fragile

Deinonychus wrote:he did have some issues with mental fragility here and there

I acknowledge that he has shortcomings - including the mental fragility. Will you acknowledge that he brings some strengths to a team as well?

I just don't see how he could be a detriment playing limited minutes in a backup role (assuming he was brought here for the right price and acknowledging that role).

The59Sound · Post #25 » by **The59Sound** » Fri Apr 20, 2012 10:16 pm

If AK was willing to accept 15-20 minutes a night, and could play out a season without writing emo poetry on the team bus, I'd welcome him back... if the price were right.

kebutah · Post #26 » by **kebutah** » Fri Apr 20, 2012 10:32 pm

babyjax13 wrote:
kebutah wrote:It is time to face the truth. In his last five year contract AK missed an average of 16 games per year (82 total). Boozer missed 21 games per year (107 total) Boozers total included three years of 8, 1 and 4, and he had two extended injuries (49 and 45 games). AK was not more durable than Boozer. AK consistently missed more games per year if you exclude the one season ending Boozer injury.

Over the life of his contract Boozer missed 23 games per year.
http://www.basketball-reference.com/pla ... eca01.html

Over the life of his max contract, Andrei missed 19 games per year.
http://www.basketball-reference.com/pla ... lan01.html

They were both injured, but Boozer was injured more.

My point was that Boozer had two big injury years, missing more than forty games, and three pretty solid years. AK missed about 20 games each year, approx 25% of the games each year.

Wolverine · Post #27 » by **Wolverine** » Sat Apr 21, 2012 2:31 am

Kirilenko was never a poor locker room presence. The opposite i think. Ask Memo, ask Ameachi. His family fitted in well, check out those photos!

edfmx86 · Post #28 » by **edfmx86** » Sat Apr 21, 2012 5:33 am

****................i just realized i miss the guy. a lot