Andrei Kirilenko Cries Over Shrinking Role

The writing has been on the wall all season, but it doesn't sting any less for Andrei Kirilenko to see how much his importance to the Jazz has diminished. A guy once considered the cornerstone to the franchise has now been relegated to a defensive specialist at best -- and he's taking it hard. From the Salt Lake Tribune:

Forward Andrei Kirilenko used a towel to wipe tears from his red and swollen eyes Sunday while discussing his minimal role in the Jazz's 84-75 loss to the Rockets in Game 1. Kirilenko played only 16 minutes - including only the last seven seconds of the fourth quarter.

Why was he pulled? Jerry Sloan tried to explain:

"He was missing shots, not making shots," said Utah head coach Jerry Sloan. "They were dropping off him and not even guarding him when he was on the floor. So what am I giving up?"

Sounds fair, right? I guess, but Kirilenko only attempted three field goals all night, making one. It seems awfully unfair that Kirilenko's leash is only two missed shots long while Memo Okur can shoot 2-for-14 and Carlos Boozer 4-for-17.

Am I saying Sloan should have benched those guys, too? Of course not -- all three should have been allowed to play. While Kirilenko doesn't bring quite as much to the table as his front-court mates, he does offer quite a bit of defense, and it's somewhat telling that Tracy McGrady scored 10 of his 14 third-quarter points after Kirilenko left the floor.

Given his disappointing season, it's easy to criticize Kirilenko, especially considering he's the highest-paid player on the team. But while I'm sure Kirilenko's tears will make the object of derision in some circles, he just became the a perfect example that for some guys the game is still more important than the paycheck.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

4-23-2007 @ 3:29AM

Miss Gossip said...

Chin up, family!

4-23-2007 @ 4:43AM

michel said...

On TNT, Charles Barkley criticized the Mavs for going away from the lineup that got them to the playoffs. Granted, "el osicon" Barkely isn't always a solon but he may have a point not just about the Mavs but the Jazz as well. Kirilenko was a big part of their success through most of the season, although AK-47 did seem to slack off toward the end. The least Sloan could do at this point is to give the poor bastard a chance, especially after the results of this 1st game of the 1st round!!!

4-23-2007 @ 10:55AM

phillip Mazza said...

That's hilarious, Jerry Sload is senile. Kirilenko should demand to be traded, after he gets it three way with Sloan's daughter and wife.

4-23-2007 @ 2:29PM

LB said...

The man makes 12 million a year. He needs to manup and play better. Which forward should have been benched? Matt Harpring who was hot or Boozer who is their leading scorer? He needs to stop crying and start palying better. The Jazz should cry everytime they have to pay him. Because by 2010 they will have to pay him 17 million for that season for a player who is scared to shoot and mentally fragile.

4-23-2007 @ 2:32PM

4-23-2007 @ 4:01PM

ART said...

COME ON SLOAN, THIS GUY WILL PLAY BETER DEFENSE THAN YOUR 3 PLAYERS UNDER THE BASKET.GET HIM INVOLVED EARLY , ITS OPENS UP THE OUTSIDE. COME ON SLOAN EARN YOUR PAY CHECK. HIS LOVE FOR THE GAME IS UNREAL. THIS GUY IS A STUD.

4-24-2007 @ 12:14AM

joe k said...

sloan has been lucky to have had good players over the years, but hasn't won much of anything. He should have been fired long ago. the ownership has given this guy a free ride. get rid of sloan, and his old ideas.

4-23-2007 @ 5:08PM

UtesFan89 said...

I have to admit, I'm not the biggest fan of AK.
With that aside, I have to say I agree with him completely. He is easily the best defender on the team, and the fact that he sat the entire 4th quarter (except for the final 7 seconds?!...) which corresponds with T-Mac catching fire (against a much shorter Fish) should say something about his benching.
Benching him because he was only 1-3 is a stupid excuse... Fish is normally a bad shooter and is always in, and Okur was way off too.
It would be easiest to play Harp when offense is really needed, but then shift to AK in the 4th for his defense.
Sadly, I have to admit that AK is probably better off elsewhere, somewhere where the coach appreciates his defensive intensity and his love for the game.

4-23-2007 @ 6:51PM

robble donnert said...

comment #3 phillip mazza you ignorant slut! 2 seasons ago jerry sloan's wife bobbi died of cancer. i have been honored to follow jerry sloan's coaching and playing career since he played for the purple aces of evansville university. if he does become senile he still would be able to kick your ass and kirilenko at the same time. HOW IS THAT FOR A THREE WAY! the only reason that russian stiff is in the league is because of coach sloan. the reason he can play defense is because of coach sloan. the reason he can cry all the way to the bank with his fat paycheck from his huge contract is because of coach sloan. after watching the love of his life suffer and die of cancer why should coach sloan or any body else feel sorry for an over paid, crybaby bitch stinking up the joint.

4-23-2007 @ 11:06PM

Q said...

If you are so disgusted with Kirelenko, why not trade him to Boston for Wally Sczczerbiak and Sebastian Telfair.

4-28-2007 @ 2:38AM

thebonerguy said...

If she's dead, it makes the three-way easier.

4-30-2007 @ 1:03PM

If she's dead, that makes it easier for a three-way

4-28-2007 @ 10:45PM

kevin said...

Come on people. Sloan has to coach in the present, not in the past. AK has not performed this season. He sits out by the 3 point arc on offense and picks up silly fouls on defense. I'm obviously not there for practices but from the little bit I've heard Ak is the first guy to get out of there. The Jazz made a big mistake giving him the current contract he has and now have to live with it. If there is a buy out they need to do it. If a team is willing to make a deal this summer to get him they need to make the deal. It would be best for both parties involved. The Jazz need a #2 and #3 to take the next step. AK can go cry somewhere else