mmmdk

I saw Kirilenko play here in Denmark (Euroleague) prior to his NBA carreer. But what's the skinny on him now ? Will he start next season and play 30+ minutes or is he just a sixth man ? I believe the former but he needs to bulk up, say, a good extra 10-15 pounds of muscle.

He's young and talented plus a great defender yet I don't see him enough. Tell me your opinion on AK47.

Peace, Mike

thrice911

Like you mentioned he is a great defender as well as shotblocker. In a Utah-Laker game I think I saw him swat three of Kobe's shots in a span of about 2 minutes, all of them were blocked at the highest point of Kobe's elevation. So he is definetely very athletic and can get up there.

Kirilenko is also a pretty good shooter and has 3-point range, however he seems unable to get off his shot when he is being closely guarded. I think his main weakness is his ball-handling. He seems to be out of control when dribbling and most attempts to get past a defender end up in a turnover(at least in the games I have seen).

I would compare him to a larger version of Shawn Marion, a very athletic and aggressive defender, who is a decent shooter but is unable to be an effective offensive weapon without help from his teamates. Marion is a better rebounder but I believe but Kirilenko will likely improve in that aspect.

Kirilenko is a very good overall player and a great defender, but he will likely never become a big time scorer.

rainman

he reminds me of bobby jones of the old early 80's sixers.jones was a great defender,great complimentary player but really the 3rd star on a team that had doctor j and moses malone.unfortuantely for the jazz they dont have doc and moses going forward.

Sean

Skinny is right. I love him and his style. He looks like you could break him in half, but he aint afraid to go to the hole. He's got some good offense and can block shots. He doesn't complain and runs like a gazelle. He could have great career ahead of him.

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JoeF

I think the Jazz wiill continue to give him around 30 MPG. The Jazz are worried about his minutes because of the amount of time he plays when you include the Russian National team. He does need to bulk up a little if he wouldn't lose the quickness. In important games you see him play 35-40 minutes sometimes. His ability to recover after appearing to be beat and still block a shot is amazing. Numerous times this year I have seen his guy beat him and I am thinking easy layup but Kirilenko recovers and swats the shot. He may be the best in NBA at that.

mmmdk

Hey, thanx guys! Really great input - and I agree that if AK47 is to bulk it better not be at the cost of his quickness. I've seen one game this year with Kirilenko (away vs Nets) and thought he did great as a starter. Will he start and can he start alongside Harpring? What is the scenario if Stockton/Malone will be gone?

Keep up the good comments

Peace, Mike