AK47 does not play harder for Russia

[HolyToledo]

I watched the USA-Russia game and AK-47 was Ak-47...The thing I thought was funny was that AK-47 complains about being in a structured offense of the Jazz and then plays in a structured slow down offense of the Russians. Poor guy cant catch a break!!! Let this guy play in a fast break offense and watch him explode!!! If AK-47 played for the Warriors he would be a MVP candidate. That is how good he would be.

One thing that I do find disappointing in AK-47 is he use to be good from the free throw line now he is below average. Cant understand that.

In any case, unless the Jazz change their style of play or AK-47 moves to a team like Phoenix, GSW or now the Knicks, we will not see him at his best which is unfortunate for AK-47 and his fans.

[russ1]

AK looked like a completely different person than he does in a jazz uniform. Specifically, watching his control physically. He seemed to be able to take contact much better than normally. I think it all boils down to his confidence level. He's the man for Russia, and that reflected in his play. Obviously, he can not be the main guy here, but it is very discouraging to see his game erode away to nothing in a jazz uniform. Sloan himself has admitted he could do a better job with him, but it is likely there will not be any drastic changes anytime soon. Part of the blame should fall on the coaching staff for not doing a better job of using his unique skill set. I will admit, he seems to be less aggressive in recent years. Again, I suspect that low confidence may be coorelated with lower energy level on the court.

[WD-40]

Nice post kwill. As a Raps fan (outsider), I watch Jazz games just because I like watching AK play. He's a unique talent. Overpaid for sure. But I think he has been misused by the coaching staff. From what little I watch.