Andrei Kirilenko News: Pro Sports Daily

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March 15

The Deseret News

"Suffice it to say, the Jazz were a bit shorthanded Sunday night. Utah lost to Oklahoma City with starting center Mehmet Okur, starting small forward Andrei Kirilenko and backup point guard Ronnie Price all sitting out, and C.J. Miles and Paul Millsap starting instead. Both Kirilenko and Price are scheduled to undergo MRI exams today in Utah, leaving their status uncertain for tonight's home game vs. Washington. Okur was hurt in Friday's loss at Milwaukee and has been experiencing back spasms, something that's kept him out of games in seasons past. It was the seventh game he's missed this season, the others being because of knee and ankle sprains, flu-like symptoms and the birth of a child. ..."

Trio of Jazzmen out with injuries

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March 15

Salt Lake Tribune

"The toll from playing 11 of 15 games on the road since the All-Star break might have caught up with the Jazz on Sunday as Andrei Kirilenko (calf), Mehmet Okur (back) and Ronnie Price (wrist) all sat out against the Thunder. "We've got a lot of games right now on the road and that's probably one of the reasons," Kirilenko said. "It's a very intense month, you've seen our schedule, like for the next probably two weeks." Kirilenko exited Friday's loss to Milwaukee in the third quarter after straining his left calf and will undergo an MRI exam today. He reported little improvement, but was optimistic that he hadn't suffered a torn muscle and would miss only two or three days."

Kirilenko, Okur and Price ruled out for Jazz tonight against Thunder

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March 14

Salt Lake Tribune

"I knew this was going to happen. Literally 10 minutes after I posted the update on Kosta Koufos' first two games with the Utah Flash, the Jazz public relations staff passed along word that three players will miss tonight's game against Oklahoma City. Andrei Kirilenko is out with a calf strain, Memo Okur is sidelined with back spasms and Ronnie Price won't play because of a sprained wrist. Translation: Utah will have nine players available against Kevin Durant and the Thunder. That includes D-League signee Othyus Jeffers, who might just find himself guarding Durant in a game critically important to the Western Conference playoff race."

Kirilenko gets shot in back, suits up

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March 2

Salt Lake Tribune

"With his warm-ups on and shoes tied for Monday's game, Andrei Kirilenko didn't even have to answer the question of whether he'd be returning for the Jazz against the Clippers. After missing three of the last four games with back spasms and receiving a cortisone shot Saturday, Kirilenko was back in uniform and hoping the worst was over at least for now, if not the rest of the season. "I feel like it's way better," Kirilenko said. "There's still like a little something, but it's definitely not bad in the direction that I'm going in." Kirilenko said he opted for the cortisone shot after experiencing pain in his back Saturday morning following the Jazz's loss at Sacramento the night before. ..."

Andrei Kirilenko sits out once again

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February 28

The Deseret News

"The Jazz beat Houston on Saturday night without usual starting small forward Andrei Kirilenko, who again was bothered by back spasms. It was the ninth game missed this season because of lower back issues for Kirilenko, and the third game in a week. Kirilenko also sat out Monday's loss to Atlanta, and Wednesday's win over Charlotte. He did play Friday night at Sacramento, scoring 16 points while logging 31 minutes in a 103-99 loss to the Kings. Backup C.J. Miles started in place of Kirilenko, who took a pain-killing injection in his back on Saturday and is being called a "game-time" by the Jazz for Monday night's road trip to the Los Angeles Clippers. Miles played 21 minutes, scoring 11 ..."

Kirilenko feeling better, plans on playing Friday at Sacramento

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February 26

The Deseret News

"Utah Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko, after missing the past two-plus games due to back spasms, is feeling better and hopes to play Friday night against the Kings in Sacramento. Kirilenko, who left Sunday night's game at Portland in the first quarter and didn't play at all in home games against Atlanta and Charlotte this week, received treatment on his back this morning and was scheduled to participate in the team's practice. "I plan to play in Sacramento," Kirilenko said prior to practice today. "(The back) really feels better. . . . We're going to have to see how it feels tonight and at game time." The Jazz have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA in recent weeks with Kirilenko being ..."

Utah Jazz forced to play without Williams, Kirilenko

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February 23

The Deseret News

"The Jazz lost to Atlanta on Monday night without both starting point guard Deron Williams and starting small forward Andrei Kirilenko. "We would have loved to have them," swingman Kyle Korver said, "and hopefully they'll be back on Wednesday." Williams said afterward that he does plan to play in Wednesday night's home game vs. Charlotte, but Kirilenko's status against the Bobcats is uncertain. Williams was out because of a right quadriceps contusion sustained in Sunday night's win at Portland. He finished that game, but did have ice on his thigh and knee after getting hurt."

Andrei Kirilenko left in second quarter due to back spasms

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February 22

Portland Tribune

""We're up 25 points, and it's over, right?" Portland's Nicolas Batum said with a shrug. "But nobody told Utah." Utah center Mehmet Okur was back in Salt Lake City with his wife, who had just given birth to her child. Forward Andrei Kirilenko had departed for good in the second quarter due to back spasms. The Jazz were taking a pounding, "and I was ready to gather the guys, load up the bus and head to the airport," Utah coach Jerry Sloan said. Just kidding. "I hope you know me better than that," the veteran Utah coach said after the Jazz's 93-89 overtime victory. "I'm not going to quit until the game's over. I never have done that. "That's the thing about this game – you put a lot into it, ..."

Jazz: Kirilenko thrives as starter

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February 8

Salt Lake Tribune

"As much as Andrei Kirilenko's run of impressive play can be traced to his return to the starting lineup -- with the Jazz going 11-1 since the move -- it is overlooked that Kirilenko started the season's first eight games with C.J. Miles out after undergoing thumb surgery. Jazz coach Jerry Sloan then opted to bring Kirilenko off the bench for the last two games of a November trip when Deron Williams left to be with his family as one of his daughters underwent medical testing. Kirilenko stayed in the role until Jan. 11. "Now he knows he's important because he's starting," Carlos Boozer said. "And then whatever's motivating him. He's motivated. You can tell by the way he's playing. Whatever ..."

Andrei Kirilenko playing like an All-Star lately

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February 8

The Deseret News

"Jerry Sloan now readily acknowledges, with the benefit of hindsight, that perhaps Andrei Kirilenko hasn't been used properly over the years. But lately the Jazz's starting small forward has been playing like the NBA All-Star he once was. Playing like when he stars for his homeland on the world stage. Playing like someone living up to, if such a notion actually is possible, his $16.44 million season-long salary. But why? Why now, and why not previously? Curious minds want to know just what's behind the recent resurgence of the lanky Russian, which not so coincidentally at all coincides roughly with a stretch in which the Jazz have won eight straight and 12 of their last 13 games. ..."

Kirilenko keeps smiling, and so do the Jazz

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February 7

The Deseret News

"Who would have figured that at this point of the season, one of the Jazz's big accomplishments would be to beat Denver with the Nuggets' two best players missing? Face it, there was some doubt on Saturday. The Jazz's 116-106 win moved them within two games of the second-best record in the Western Conference. It also helped them avoid getting swept by Denver for the first time in franchise history. When you're as unpredictable as the Jazz, you take the wins where you can, even when the other guys are limping. For some reason (two of them being Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups) the Jazz have struggled this year against a team they used to dominate. Throughout most of their history, the ..."

Andrei Kirilenko thriving at 4 position

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February 4

The Deseret News

"With the shot clock winding down during a late third-quarter possession on Wednesday night at EnergySolutions Arena, Jazz guard Ronnie Brewer threw a pass to Andrei Kirilenko, who was cutting to his left. Kirilenko was in the air as he caught the ball, and in one motion — without coming down to the ground — turned and hit a six-footer over a Trail Blazer defender. It was the type of athletic move that draws oohs, ahhs and "did you just see that?" reactions from the crowd. Kirilenko, for his part, called it "lucky." But it was that kind of shooting night for Kirilenko and the red-hot Jazz, who beat their Northwestern Division rivals 118-105 while shooting a season-best 62.7 percent from the ..."

Kirilenko's second stint as a starter lifts Jazz

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January 25

Salt Lake Tribune

"The second time has been a charm for Andrei Kirilenko and the Utah Jazz. When injuries to C.J. Miles and Kyle Korver muddled coach Jerry Sloan's early wing rotation, Kirilenko opened the season as the starting small forward. Utah went 3-5 in those games. At that point, Sloan decided he needed more experience off the bench. So, for the next two months, Kirilenko anchored Utah's second unit. On Jan. 11, however, Miles was sidelined because of a viral infection and Sloan started Kirilenko against Miami. The Jazz crushed the Heat, 118-89. The lopsided win over Dwyane Wade"

Kirilenko returns to form

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January 23

The Deseret News

"From a decidedly lucrative contract extension to tears of frustration shed one dismal day during the playoffs a few years back at Houston, from an NBA All-Star Game appearance in 2004 to his roller-coaster relationship with coach Jerry Sloan, Andrei Kirilenko knows highs and lows. Lately, though, things are looking mostly up for the 28-year-old small forward. He's reclaimed his starting spot, at least for Utah's last five games — a stretch, by the way, in which the 24-18 Jazz have won four. He's averaging 28.8 minutes per game, up 11/2 from a season ago, heading into tonight's meeting at EnergySolutions Arena with NBA cellar-dweller New Jersey. And he's coming off a victory Wednesday at ..."

Injury bug catches, mostly releases Jazz

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January 17

Salt Lake Tribune

"Whatever concerns the Jazz had about Deron Williams ' injured right wrist and Andrei Kirilenko 's hyperextended right knee eased Saturday. Both played against Milwaukee after leaving Thursday's victory against Cleveland in the second half and not returning. "It's false alarm and I'm happy with it," said Kirilenko, who started for the third consecutive time in C.J. Miles ' place. "Because when it goes to knee, it could be three months. You don't want to aggravate it." Williams has been playing with a sprained wrist since Jan. 4 and expressed concern about reinjuring it even before doing so Thursday. "It's hard," Williams said. "When you fall, what's your instinct? You can't fight ..."

Utah Jazz still giddy, practice without Andrei Kirilenko, Deron Williams

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January 16

The Deseret News

"If fans are still beaming and buzzing about the Utah Jazz's thrilling buzzer-beating 97-96 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, they're certainly not the only ones. Less than 12 hours after shocking LeBron James and his Cavalier crew, the Jazz reconvened for practice and were still acting giddy and geeked about the way the game ended, too. And not just the players, mind you. "It was wonderful to see it happen," Jazz coach Jerry Sloan said of Sundiata Gaines' 3-pointer that gave Utah an unlikely win over Cleveland to cap a wild fourth quarter. "Our players are very excited about it and our coaches are very excited about it." Though all were excited, no doubt, not all were healthy enough to ..."

Players could meet next summer at FIBA World Championships

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December 17

The Deseret News

"Turkey will face Russia in pool play at next summer's FIBA World Championships, but Jazz center Mehmet Okur isn't sure he'll be there to face off against Utah teammate Andrei Kirilenko. "I don't know," said Okur, 30, who hasn't played for his Turkish national team since 2007. "Maybe they're not gonna invite, maybe they're gonna invite me. I've got to find out. "I would love to play. But, they've been playing with the young kids the last couple years. Maybe I'm too old for them. So, who knows what's gonna happen?" Okur has had issues with how he's been used in the past, and he said a meeting with the president of his national federation should determine whether he'll play when Turkey hosts ..."

Kirilenko, Okur could face off

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December 17

Salt Lake Tribune

"Neighbors at home in Salt Lake City while playing for the Jazz, Andrei Kirilenko and Mehmet Okur could meet on the court this summer in Turkey at the FIBA world championships. Kirilenko and Okur traded text messages Tuesday after the draw for the tournament was announced, with Russia and Turkey in Group C (along with Greece, China, Puerto Rico and Ivory Coast) and set to play Aug. 29 in Ankara. Kirilenko is committed to play for Russia after taking off last summer to complete the adoption of his baby daughter. Okur, however, is not guaranteed to play for Turkey, even as one of the host country's biggest NBA stars. "I would love to play, but they've been playing with the young kids the ..."

Kirilenko sits, Miles improves

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December 6

The Deseret News

"Backup small forward Andrei Kirilenko didn't play for the Jazz in Saturday night's loss to Minnesota here due to continuing muscle tightness in his strained lower back. Kirilenko played 14 minutes in Friday night's home win over Indiana, but he didn't play in last Monday night's win over Memphis for the same reason. "When I woke up before the game I just started feeling tightness again," Kirilenko said. "It felt fine (Friday night), and (Saturday) in the morning," he added. "I'm just a little disappointed that it started again, because it had been, like, three, four days it feels pretty good." Playing a second straight game for the Jazz on Saturday, though, was swingman C.J. Miles, who ..."

AK-47 and Millsap both game-time decisions tonight

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November 30

Salt Lake Tribune

"Every morning after a game, the Jazz players can look forward to finding a piece of paper on the locker room board at their practice facility. For the first time, they are being graded individually on the number of perfect possessions they contribute to on defense. It's part of the Jazz's emphasis on defensive accountability after a season in which they gave up 100.9 points and 46.4 percent shooting on average, with coach Jerry Sloan and his assistants resolving that something had to change. The catch-phrase now is "perfect possessions," with the Jazz hoping to grade out at 80 percent or better each game. Players are graded on everything from getting back on defense and boxing out to how ..."

Kirilenko, Millsap hit training room with injuries

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November 29

The Deseret News

"He'd already hit all three of his shots and the sizzling Jazz were on fire when Andrei Kirilenko felt the flare. Unfortunately this one came from a spasm in his lower back, and not from the small forward's hot hand. "At a certain point," Kirilenko said, "I feel like (insert a mimicked spasm sound here)." It was then that the Russian reserve said he thought, "Uh, oh." Paul Millsap just so happened to have a similar "uh, oh" moment at about the same time. The backup power forward left the game and gingerly limped to the locker room with a few minutes remaining in the first half after knocking knees with a Portland player."

AK OK with coming off bench

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November 26

The Deseret News

"In eight games as a starter this season, Jazz small forward Andrei Kirilenko averaged 13.5 points and 4.6 rebounds. Since he started coming off the bench six games ago, though, the 2004 NBA All-Star has averaged 15.8 points and 7.3 boards. "I don't think it's any connection to coming off the bench or starting the game," Kirilenko said. The Jazz's highest-paid player moved back to the bench, which he came off most of last season, when coach Jerry Sloan addressed a recent two-game absence for point guard Deron Williams by starting rookie Eric Maynor in Williams' place, starting rookie Wesley Matthews at shooting guard and starting usual starting shooting guard Ronnie Brewer in Kirilenko's ..."

Kirilenko heating up

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November 22

The Deseret News

"The committee that concocted the ballot for the 2010 All-Star Game might make a slight alteration if it had a chance to put the 120-player list together again. Whether or not he is playing like he deserves All-Star votes is debatable, of course. But Andrei Kirilenko now is looking like he at least belongs in the debate with others on the lengthy list. The Jazz small forward has recently been looking like he might deserve consideration for the Sixth Man of the Year award as well. Kirilenko extended his double-digit scoring streak Saturday night to 11, tying Carlos Boozer for team-high honors with 22 points in Utah's 100-97 overtime win over the Detroit Pistons at EnergySolutions Arena. The ..."

Deja vu for Jazz as AK goes off

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November 22

The Deseret News

"Andrei Kirilenko changed out of his uniform, showered and walked onto the floor of EnergySolutions Arena for a postgame television interview so fast that Deron Williams — watching inside the lockerroom — thought he was seeing a replay from a game gone by. Either that, or some sort of TV trick. But it was the real deal. So, too, was Kirilenko's play in a 100-97 overtime victory over Detroit on Saturday night that marked the Jazz's third straight victory and fourth in its last five games. The 2004 NBA All-Star from Russia had a 22-point, 10-rebound double-double off the bench, including six of the Jazz's 10 points in the five-minute extra session. That along with a 14-point, 11-assist ..."

Kirilenko has clutch moments

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November 22

Salt Lake Tribune

"When the dogfight between Utah and Detroit reached its most critical moment Saturday night, Andrei Kirilenko stepped to the free-throw line and didn't worry about anything. "I didn't think, I didn't think, I didn't think," he said. "... You just go through [your routine], shoot-shoot and you're out." In this case, the Pistons were out of luck. Kirilenko buried two free throws with 9.8 seconds left in overtime to help Utah secure a 100-97 victory at EnergySolutions Arena. Kirilenko, who went 7-for-9 in the game, is shooting 80.6 percent from the free-throw line this season. "The last few practices I have been shooting a great percentage," Kirilenko said. I've been working with Jeff ..."

Kirilenko returns to bench, finisher role

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November 19

The Deseret News

"Rookie Wesley Matthews played a starting role for Utah on Wednesday night when the Jazz hosted the Toronto Raptors in EnergySolutions Arena. But veteran Andrei Kirilenko was a finisher in the Jazz's 104-91 victory. Kirilenko played the entire fourth quarter as Utah pulled away. Kirilenko, who started the first eight games of the season, is now back in the familiar role he played last year as the team's spark off the bench. He scored 20 points — three below his season high — with seven rebounds, three steals and two blocked shots in his reserve role. Even still, Kirilenko was given just faint praise by the Jazz coach afterward. Jerry Sloan wants Kirilenko to play more fundamentally sound on ..."

Short-handed Jazz fly past Sixers

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November 14

The Deseret News

"From behind closed doors, screams and shouts were heard. And when they opened shortly after the Jazz's 112-90 win Friday night over the Philadelphia 76ers, it sounded like a frat party inside the visiting locker room at Wachovia Center here. Understandably so, too, as 4-5 Utah — without starting point guard Deron Williams, who returned to Salt Lake City earlier Friday to be with an ailing daughter — won despite starting two rookies and going most of the way with just seven players. "We just had a lot of fun tonight," forward Carlos Boozer said. Did they ever. All five starters scored in double figures — topped by Boozer and his 24-point, 12-rebound double-double — and so did Andrei ..."

Jazz survive Knicks' zone

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November 10

Salt Lake Tribune

"They knew it was coming after Saturday's loss to Sacramento and even went over zone defense principles at Monday's pregame shootaround in anticipation of being tested by the Knicks. Yet the Jazz likely never expected to see a zone defense out of the Knicks almost exclusively from the middle of the first quarter on and admitted afterward that they probably will see more of the same in coming games. "We were a little better than what we were the other night, but not a lot," Jazz coach Jerry Sloan said. "We'll see a lot of that, I'm sure. People know that we don't shoot the ball that well out on the perimeter, try to take away your inside game, and that's how they'll play us." The Jazz ..."

AK full of vigor in his return

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October 19

Salt Lake Tribune

"It could take another couple of weeks before Andrei Kirilenko can enjoy having his entire family at home under one roof in Utah, including his new 2-month-old adopted daughter Alexandra -- Sasha for short. In the meantime, the Jazz only can hope the joy and relief on full display for Kirilenko in Sunday's 110-103 preseason victory over the Charlotte Bobcats will help carry him through on the court. Having flown to Russia and back in the span of four days to complete the adoption, Kirilenko poured himself into the action at Staples Center, finishing with 18 points, six rebounds and four assists in 26 minutes. "I was surprised at Andrei's activity," Jazz coach Jerry Sloan said. "He had a ..."

AK shakes jet lag, shines like a star

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October 19

The Deseret News

"He did admit to feeling a little funny after making his fifth transoceanic flight in less than a month. Seriously, though, if his nifty behind-the-back pass to Carlos Boozer for a layup in Sunday's 110-103 preseason win over Charlotte at the Staples Center here was any indication — not to mention a stat line chock full like those from glory days gone by, including 18 points and 5-for-7 field shooting — jet lag isn't going to trouble Andrei Kirilenko. No longer problematic, either, will be the worry over tedious and sometimes overwhelming chores that go with adopting a baby girl, which is what Kirilenko and wife Masha formally finalized late last week in their native Russia. From plenty of ..."

Kirilenkos adopt daughter

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October 18

Salt Lake Tribune

"Andrei Kirilenko went public Saturday that he left the Jazz this week and returned to Russia to complete the adoption of a 2-month-old girl that Kirilenko and his wife, Masha , have named Alexandra . Kirilenko told Russia's Sport Express newspaper that the adoption process began in February and was the reason he did not play for his country at last month's European championships. The Kirilenkos already have two sons. Kirilenko missed two preseason games to make the trip to Russia but was due to arrive in Los Angeles on Saturday night and is expected to play in today's game. "I think it's a special thing that he's doing," Deron Williams said. "I know they're happy about the situation. We ..."

Kirilenko, wife adopt a baby girl in Russia

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October 18

The Deseret News

"Now it's known why Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko left in such a hurry last Wednesday and returned to his native Russia. And it's good news. The quick trip was so Kirilenko and his wife, Masha, could attend a court hearing to formalize the adoption of a 2-month-old baby girl named Alexandra. The couple has two other children, both boys. "I think it's a special thing that he's doing. I know they're happy about the situation," Jazz point guard Deron Williams said Saturday. "We talked about it a lot all summer and it was a hard process for them." The adoption process reportedly has been under way since last February, and in a report on the Russian sports Web site sport-express.ru it was cited ..."

Kirilenko returns to Russia for personal reasons

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October 15

The Deseret News

"Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko has left the team to return to his native Russia and tend to a personal, undisclosed family matter there. The absence is "excused," a team spokesman said. Kirilenko will miss the Jazz's exhibition games Thursday night at home vs. Portland and on Saturday against the Clippers in Los Angeles. He is expected to rejoin the team in time to play Sunday, when the Jazz will play — depending on the outcome of Saturday's games — either Charlotte or the Lakers in Los Angeles."

Kirilenko: Russia vs. Spain a big win

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October 8

Salt Lake Tribune

"From the moment he saw the locker room where he celebrated with the Russian national team in 2007, Andrei Kirilenko was surrounded Wednesday by the memories of his greatest basketball accomplishment. Back at the Palacio de Deportes, Kirilenko reflected on Russia's 60-59 upset of Spain to win the European championships. Kirilenko was named tournament MVP as Russia captured its first title in 22 years. "It's a huge memory," Kirilenko said, adding: "Those feelings kind of flashed back a little bit. I think we did a pretty good job in the final. We kind of forced Spain to play our game and kind of slowed them down." Kirilenko did not dispute one reporter's suggestion that Spain would have ..."

Utah Jazz put their pride on the line in Spain

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October 8

The Deseret News

"It's a preseason game for both teams. Starters may not be the same as they will be in the regular season, the rotation certainly will not, and even if the game's on the line late, there may be an NBA All-Star and/or Olympian — or two or three or four — watching from the bench. But don't for a moment believe tonight's NBA EuropeLive tour exhibition between the Jazz and Spanish League/Euroleague power Real Madrid at Palacio de Deportes here doesn't mean just a little something to both clubs. "You don't want to get embarrassed. You want to come out and play good," Jazz point guard Deron Williams said. "But … you know they're gonna be ready to play. "It's definitely a pride thing," added ..."

Kirilenko already weary of Shaq-LeBron partnership

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October 1

The Deseret News

"Although Andrei Kirilenko is hoping for a Russian revolution in the wake of Mikhail Prokhorov's recent purchase of the New Jersey Nets, it's LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal that are on his mind ahead of the start of the NBA season. Kirilenko, who plays for the Utah Jazz and will be headed to Europe for a pair of preseason games, told The Associated Press in a telephone interview Tuesday that O'Neal's move to join James with the Cleveland Cavaliers is going to cause havoc around the league. "That's the poison union," Kirilenko said. "I mean poison in a good way. They're going to poison the rest of us." The Jazz will play the Chicago Bulls on Oct. 6 in London, and then face Real Madrid in ..."

Early injuries for 3 Jazzmen

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September 29

Salt Lake Tribune

"As much as injuries ruined their 2008-09 season, the Jazz at least were able to make it through training camp unscathed. The same can't be said this week with Andrei Kirilenko , Kyle Korver and C.J. Miles sidelined for a second consecutive day. All three sat out practice again Monday morning -- Kirilenko with a strained left quadriceps, Korver with an inflamed left knee and Miles with a strained left hip flexor. Kirilenko said he had experienced tightness and swelling in his quadriceps since the start of camp and decided to play it safe. Both he and Korver expressed hope that their injuries were nothing significant. "It's sore right now, but it's nothing that's super serious," Korver ..."

Trio injured during practice

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September 28

The Deseret News

"Three Jazz players — all small forward/swingmen types who are rotation regulars for the club — were injured at training camp this morning. Andrei Kirilenko (strained left quadriceps muscle), C.J. Miles (strained left hip flexor) and Kyle Korver (inflamed left knee) all did not take part in tonight's second session of two-a-days. Usual backup shooting guard Korver underwent an MRI exam, results of which were not immediately made known. It's uncertain if any or all will take part in camp sessions scheduled for Monday morning and Monday night."

Kirilenko can vouch for billionaire

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September 26

Salt Lake Tribune

"Having first met Mikhail Prokhorov when he was 17 and having played for his CSKA Moscow team before coming to the Jazz, Andrei Kirilenko is uniquely qualified to speak about the Russian billionaire and prospective owner of the New Jersey Nets. First of all, is Prokhorov really worth the $9.5 billion that has been reported? This should send a shudder around the league. "He's worth more," Kirilenko said. "That's probably the cash that he has." Kirilenko learned the news about a week before reports surfaced that Prokhorov was set to buy the struggling Nets. As Russia's biggest basketball star, Kirilenko was asked about playing for the country's richest man. "He's a very successful manager ..."

Utah Jazz talked Kirilenko for McGrady trade

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July 4

The Deseret News

"The Jazz, it's been learned and confirmed, engaged in recent trade talk with the Houston Rockets about a possible deal that would have brought seven-time NBA All-Star swingman Tracy McGrady to Utah for small forward Andrei Kirilenko. The Jazz, however, have no current desire to make the trade — for reasons including, but not necessarily limited to, McGrady's health situation and contract status. McGrady, 30, underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in May of 2008 and microfracture surgery on the same problematic knee late last February. He also has a history of back problems, played just 35 games last season, may or may not be able to play more than that next season and is the ..."

Utah Jazz ask Kirilenko to bulk up frame

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May 8

The Deseret News

"If you happen to see Andrei Kirilenko going back and forth between the Moscow Chuck-A-Rama all-you-can-eat buffet and the Red Square Gold's Gym this summer, there's a good explanation. In his year-end performance evaluation, the lean and lanky Russian athlete was told he needed to pack on some pounds. Jazz bosses are hoping the small forward doesn't return next season as such a, well, small forward. They want more beef on his bones. Those might be welcome words for many people, who could probably also handle the $16 million paycheck awaiting him after his offseason of pumping iron and plumping up. But for Kirilenko, this news wasn't exactly easy to swallow. He started the 2008-09 season ..."

The mysterious Andrei Kirilenko: Jazz forward likes time alone with his books

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April 17

Salt Lake Tribune

"There was no plane to catch, nowhere to go but back to the hotel, with the Jazz spending the night in Dallas after last week's loss. Almost as soon as the locker room was opened to reporters, however, Andrei Kirilenko was on his way to the team bus. Jazz coach Jerry Sloan had just finished answering postgame questions, but Kirilenko already was dressed with a plate of food in hand. It has been that way for weeks, with Kirilenko regularly the first player out of the locker room. "If you take a look, I've been the first guy for seven years," Kirilenko said. "My thing is I don't like to sit after the game in the locker room and wait -- wait for what? I like to dress up and just get to the ..."

Miles, Kirilenko present different skill sets

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April 17

Salt Lake Tribune

"Which is more important, starting or finishing? Andrei Kirilenko has finished plenty of games, but is it a coincidence that while starter C.J. Miles has missed five of six games with an injured hand, Utah has struggled down the stretch? "The bottom line is what you do when you step on the floor," Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan said. Miles has been the starter for Utah at small forward. However, Andrei Kirilenko has logged the most minutes. Either way, the Jazz are looking for more intensity and consistency from their small forwards, including Matt Harpring, who is fighting his own battle with a nasal infection. "We can't do anything about that," Utah coach Jerry Sloan said about Harpring. ..."

Kirilenko hopeful tonight

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March 31

The Deseret News

"Dressed in street clothes, Jazz reserve forward Andrei Kirilenko watched the second half of Monday night's victory over New York from a seat behind the bench. But he plans to play tonight in Portland, despite spraining the ring finger on his right hand in Monday's second quarter. Kirilenko caught his finger on the rim on a missed shot. Teammate Carlos Boozer got the rebound and passed back to him for a dunk, but the forward from Russia exited shortly after that. "Nothing big," he said. "I'm pretty sure (tonight) I'll be able to play ... I think I'll be fine.""

Kirilenko playing reduced minutes

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March 12

Salt Lake Tribune

"Atlanta » Even if he came off the bench, the expectation always was that Andrei Kirilenko would play starter's minutes as the Jazz's sixth man. Since returning from ankle surgery, however, Kirilenko has been more a role player than super sub. There is no pain in Kirilenko's ankle and no restrictions on his minutes, but he has averaged only 21.3 in the last 12 games. Kirilenko played 20 minutes Wednesda vs. the Hawks, finishing with four points and three rebounds. Jazz coach Jerry Sloan acknowledged the difficulty at finding Kirilenko playing time with Carlos Boozer back in the lineup, Paul Millsap demanding minutes off the bench and Ronnie Brewer making the case to play in the fourth ..."

Utah Jazz: AK, Boozer questionable

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February 17

The Deseret News

"Well-rested, a bit tanner in several cases and feeling re-energized, the Utah Jazz returned from the All-Star break to some encouraging news. At practice Monday night, the Jazz learned they'll get one — and possibly two — of their injured players back in the lineup tonight. Brevin Knight, the backup point guard who missed two games with a left quadriceps contusion, is healthy enough to go again. But fans hoping to attend the Jazz's "Welcome Back Party" for both Carlos Boozer and Andrei Kirilenko might not want to buy tickets for the 7 p.m. home game against the Memphis Grizzlies. The news wasn't quite that encouraging. Though the season debut of the entire Jazz squad could happen soon, ..."

AK on injuries, Sloan and freebie

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February 8

Salt Lake Tribune

"Andrei Kirilenko engaged in a long conversation the other day, revealing that he is looking forward to getting healthy and finishing strong with the Jazz, happy playing in Utah, and baffled by so many injuries suffered by his team this season. He also answered questions about his emotional meltdown in Houston two years ago, and said Jerry Sloan understands and communicates with his players better now than he once did. He talked about Larry Miller's health struggles and the inspiration the owner is for the players, about his effort to conquer English as a second language, and about his penchant for swearing at referees in Russian. And, finally, he addressed the "one free pass" notion put ..."

Kirilenko could face longer recovery time

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January 31

The Deseret News

"Not one but two bone fragments were removed Friday from the right-ankle area of Jazz sixth man Andrei Kirilenko, who underwent what general manager Kevin O'Connor called "quick" surgery to clean out the joint. One fragment, seen previously via MRI exams, was much larger than the other, which hadn't been detected until the time of the surgery. Kirilenko previously had said he was told such a procedure would require a 3- to 4-week recovery/rehab period, but the Jazz didn't release any timetable for his expected return. Instead, they said the forward from Russia would meet "with the Jazz medical staff Monday for further evaluation" and suggested more would be known then. Kirilenko was ordered ..."

Kirilenko to have ankle surgery

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January 30

Salt Lake Tribune

"There was no black cloud hanging over the Jazz's practice facility Thursday, but there might as well have been with the news that Andrei Kirilenko will require surgery on his right ankle and likely miss three to four weeks recovering. Kirilenko will undergo surgery this morning to remove a bone fragment in the ankle. He had tried unsuccessfully to put off the surgery until after the season and play through the discomfort with a series of cortisone shots. The Jazz have gone 0-4 since Kirilenko suffered a recurrence of pain in the ankle last week, dropping 1½ games out of playoff position, and will have to survive at least until the All-Star break without both Kirilenko and Carlos Boozer. ..."

Kirilenko to have ankle surgery Friday

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January 29

Salt Lake Tribune

"There was no black cloud hanging over the Jazz's practice facility Thursday, but there might as well have been with the news that Andrei Kirilenko will require surgery on his right ankle and likely miss three to four weeks recovering. Kirilenko will have surgery to remove a bone fragment in the ankle Friday after trying unsuccessfully to put off the surgery until after the season and play through the discomfort with a series of cortisone shots. "It's been brutal for us," Deron Williams said. "It's been tough. It seems like every game there's somebody new, somebody different. We haven't had the same lineup for more than a week it seems. "It's been tough on us, but that's how it goes. We ..."