Andrei Kirilenko

[ParniValjak]

I'm going to wait for something official, but if true, he's burning some bridges in the NBA. And of course thats his choice. But one would think that at his current age, he'd like to get get a 4 year contract somewhere for big bucks. The longer he stays in europe, the less value he'll have long term because of his age.

You are assuming that NBA is be all and end all for Kirilenko.

Like I have said many times before, AK is in a very different position than many other players exploring NBA or Europe as a destination. He is actually better off financially staying in Europe than coming back to the NBA. Unless of course he gets $9 million per season deal and even then he needs to think whether he would rather play for a perennial winner in Europe for $8 million per season equivalent or $9 million per season for an NBA lottery team.

Personally speaking, if I were Kirilenko, I would opt for staying in Europe with CSKA. I get around 3 million euros per season AFTER tax. I get a luxury apartment in the centre of Moscow and a luxury car on top of my contract. As a biggest name in basketball in Russia and Europe, I have sponsorship offers from everywhere. I have earned more than enough over my career to let $1million per season be a major deciding factor. On top of that, I get to finish my career with the club that I have started my career with and if I win the Euroleague, it would be a poetic way for me to go out. CSKA just signed arguably Europe's best coach in Ettore Messina and by the looks of it, the team that came so close last year is staying in tact (Krstic also likely to stay with CSKA) and on top of that we just signed 2 great enforcements so we will be better than last year.

There is nothing left for Kirlenko to prove in the NBA, outside of winning the MVP (not going to happen) and NBA title (also not going to happen) so might as well spend my last few years enjoying my basketball in the club where it all started, still getting some great coin for it and on top of that have endorsement deal that I could only dream about in USA.

I have claimed even last off-season that getting Kirilenko back to the NBA will be difficult because its at the point where he is probably better off playing in Europe for the rest of his career. The games are shorter (40 minutes), there is less games to play which will no doubt improve his longevity in the game and on top of that, he is playing for a perennial winner and one of the most prestigious clubs in Europe AND getting paid at least as much if not more than he would in the NBA. It makes much more sense to stay than return to NBA. That is from my point of view which also knows how these things work in Europe and the love for the club that these players have. Kirilenko bleeds CSKA's red just like Pekovic bleeds Partizan's black and white.

 

[roasthawg]

You are assuming that NBA is be all and end all for Kirilenko.

Like I have said many times before, AK is in a very different position than many other players exploring NBA or Europe as a destination. He is actually better off financially staying in Europe than coming back to the NBA. Unless of course he gets $9 million per season deal and even then he needs to think whether he would rather play for a perennial winner in Europe for $8 million per season equivalent or $9 million per season for an NBA lottery team.

Personally speaking, if I were Kirilenko, I would opt for staying in Europe with CSKA. I get around 3 million euros per season AFTER tax. I get a luxury apartment in the centre of Moscow and a luxury car on top of my contract. As a biggest name in basketball in Russia and Europe, I have sponsorship offers from everywhere. I have earned more than enough over my career to let $1million per season be a major deciding factor. On top of that, I get to finish my career with the club that I have started my career with and if I win the Euroleague, it would be a poetic way for me to go out. CSKA just signed arguably Europe's best coach in Ettore Messina and by the looks of it, the team that came so close last year is staying in tact (Krstic also likely to stay with CSKA) and on top of that we just signed 2 great enforcements so we will be better than last year.

There is nothing left for Kirlenko to prove in the NBA, outside of winning the MVP (not going to happen) and NBA title (also not going to happen) so might as well spend my last few years enjoying my basketball in the club where it all started, still getting some great coin for it and on top of that have endorsement deal that I could only dream about in USA.

I have claimed even last off-season that getting Kirilenko back to the NBA will be difficult because its at the point where he is probably better off playing in Europe for the rest of his career. The games are shorter (40 minutes), there is less games to play which will no doubt improve his longevity in the game and on top of that, he is playing for a perennial winner and one of the most prestigious clubs in Europe AND getting paid at least as much if not more than he would in the NBA. It makes much more sense to stay than return to NBA. That is from my point of view which also knows how these things work in Europe and the love for the club that these players have. Kirilenko bleeds CSKA's red just like Pekovic bleeds Partizan's black and white.

After reading this post he's not coming back, lol... no way.

 

[JB_kings]

After reading this post he's not coming back, lol... no way.

Petty much. And from the Kings point of view, you don't really want to spend a dime on a guy who doesn't really have a competitive drive to play in the NBA for the Kings.

 

[RussoTuristo]

Petty much. And from the Kings point of view, you don't really want to spend a dime on a guy who doesn't really have a competitive drive to play in the NBA for the Kings.

Please, name me at least one above average open market free agent who (potentially) has this COMPETITIVE drive to play in the NBA for the Kings?

 

[ParniValjak]

Petty much. And from the Kings point of view, you don't really want to spend a dime on a guy who doesn't really have a competitive drive to play in the NBA for the Kings.

Oh please!

The Kings are the least attractive free agent spot at this point in time and it has nothing to do with it being Sacramento. There is no free agent out there that would have competitive drive to play for the Kings. NONE! Unless there is a massively overpaying contract attached to it, even then, they are not choosing the Kings because they are great but because the money is too good to turn down.

And playing in the NBA, from Kirilenko's perspective "MEH!...Been there done that, now I would like to enjoy my last few years playing for a winning team back home where it all started" and on top of that, I am probably better off financially doing it.

There is one thing the fans of the NBA team will NEVER understand and that is the love players have for the jersey. NBA is commercially driven and the player will go where they can get the biggest contract. None of them decide on a team because they love that team.

In Europe, its almost a cult thing. The team you grew up in and whose ranks you have gone through is your love. You bleed for that club because you went through those junior ranks because of the love for the game. You sign your first contract with them and the supporters see you as part of their family. Players like Kirilenko with CSKA, Pekovic with Partizan, Navarro with Barcelona, Fernandez with Real Madrid etc... will take less money to play for those teams than any other European team out there and when you get to the point where you have done your bit in the NBA, secured financial future for yourself that love for the club takes over.

During the lockout, Kirilenko had massive offers from other clubs but he signed for less with CSKA. Pekovic had a full 3 million euros deal guaranteed for the whole season from a Turkish club Besiktas but he signed on with Partizan for 200K euros during the lock out.

Kirilenko is in a unique position where financially staying in Europe or the NBA is financially similar so knowing the culture these players grew up in, its really almost a no brainer decision for them.

Don't be surprised if you see more of the europans in the NBA head over to finish their season with the clubs they grew up with. Rudy Fernandez is pretty young but has signed on with Real Mardid for the next 3 years for 3 million euros per season. I would not be surprised at all if Pau Gasol finishes his career with Barcelona in a couple of years time.

 

[VF21]

Oh please!

The Kings are the least attractive free agent spot at this point in time and it has nothing to do with it being Sacramento. There is no free agent out there that would have competitive drive to play for the Kings. NONE! Unless there is a massively overpaying contract attached to it, even then, they are not choosing the Kings because they are great but because the money is too good to turn down.

And playing in the NBA, from Kirilenko's perspective "MEH!...Been there done that, now I would like to enjoy my last few years playing for a winning team back home where it all started" and on top of that, I am probably better off financially doing it.

There is one thing the fans of the NBA team will NEVER understand and that is the love players have for the jersey. NBA is commercially driven and the player will go where they can get the biggest contract. None of them decide on a team because they love that team.

In Europe, its almost a cult thing. The team you grew up in and whose ranks you have gone through is your love. You bleed for that club because you went through those junior ranks because of the love for the game. You sign your first contract with them and the supporters see you as part of their family. Players like Kirilenko with CSKA, Pekovic with Partizan, Navarro with Barcelona, Fernandez with Real Madrid etc... will take less money to play for those teams than any other European team out there and when you get to the point where you have done your bit in the NBA, secured financial future for yourself that love for the club takes over.

During the lockout, Kirilenko had massive offers from other clubs but he signed for less with CSKA. Pekovic had a full 3 million euros deal guaranteed for the whole season from a Turkish club Besiktas but he signed on with Partizan for 200K euros during the lock out.

Kirilenko is in a unique position where financially staying in Europe or the NBA is financially similar so knowing the culture these players grew up in, its really almost a no brainer decision for them.

Don't be surprised if you see more of the europans in the NBA head over to finish their season with the clubs they grew up with. Rudy Fernandez is pretty young but has signed on with Real Mardid for the next 3 years for 3 million euros per season. I would not be surprised at all if Pau Gasol finishes his career with Barcelona in a couple of years time.

Thanks for the comments about the ties between Euro players and their clubs. I think you may have mentioned it back in the day, but people really need to understand the differences between the two basketball cultures.

 

[JB_kings]

It isn't a Euro thing or American player thing for me. Makes no difference. If ANY free agent player is happier playing somewhere else than playing for the Kings, then they should do that. And the Kings shouldn't spend one dime trying to overpay a guy who really doesn't want to be here anyway. Pretty simple isn't it?

I've been a fan of the team longer than probably most of the people on this board. I know now is not a great time for free agents being attracted to coming here. That time will hopefully come when the team is competing deep into the playoffs. We have to rely on drafting well and making some key trades to get there. Why overpay a guy and screw up your salary structure for the future?

 

[ParniValjak]

It isn't a Euro thing or American player thing for me. Makes no difference. If ANY free agent player is happier playing somewhere else than playing for the Kings, then they should do that. And the Kings shouldn't spend one dime trying to overpay a guy who really doesn't want to be here anyway. Pretty simple isn't it?

I've been a fan of the team longer than probably most of the people on this board. I know now is not a great time for free agents being attracted to coming here. That time will hopefully come when the team is competing deep into the playoffs. We have to rely on drafting well and making some key trades to get there. Why overpay a guy and screw up your salary structure for the future?

Here is the thing, at the best of times Sacramento was not a very attractive location for free agents. The ones that we did sign, we had to offer a larger deal than anyone else to get them here. Divac got a HUGE deal as 30 year old. He didn't come here because he loved Sacramento. He came because the money was too good to refuse. Miller got a huge contract from us which led to a sign and trade to get him here. Shareef got here after Nets rescinded their offer because of knee concerns and even then, we offered more than any other team was prepared to offer.

Webber we had to shell out a huge deal for to stay. I might say that keeping the guys here is generally not the problem provided that we pay around the market rate but getting them here IS a problem and the only way you get over that, is to overpay. You don't offer those contracts to Vlade, Miller, Webber (hefty re-signing, though justified for talent level) and even Bibby (another hefty re-signing), there is no "golden years" for this franchise.

Over paying for free agent is part and parcel of being a small market team. Unless of course you are a contending team with a hall of fame coach at the helm who half the NBA would give their right arm to play for (SA and Pop).

Provided that our owners are not broke and actually wanted and had the ability to spend, this is precisely the time when Sacramento should be offering Batum $12 million per season, or Wallace $10 million because now is the time BEFORE you lose all your cap space is taken up by re-signing your foundation players (Cousins and Reke). But since we are broke, penny pinching franchise that sells picks or makes deals to get some pocket change in return, then the best we can hope for is to preserve cap space to re-sign our own guys and once this team gets taken over by a owner capable of having a professional sports team, then we can spend money doing sign and trades to attract FAs. Harder way to do it but still doable provided we have the finances.

 

[baller13]

right, everyone wants him and you disagree yet we are the idiots? how about actually knowing what you are talking about. he is a multiple all nba defensive team and in the euroleague defensive player of the year. he blocks shots and steals well for a small forward. and that 31% career 3pt %. try looking at the trend as opposed to the last line on a stat sheet. 36.7% in 10/11 and 41.7% last year with cska. so back to your original question. why does everyone want kirilenko so bad? because we need a defensive sf that can hit the 3. if you are not willing to spend more than the mid level for that...

Ohhhhh, he was the euroleague defensive player of the year.......I don't care what he does against the euroleague. Those are not nba players. 41% 3 point shooting last year with cska.... pretty sure that 3 point line is about 3 feet closer than the one in the nba. So how about you know what your talking about before you post. Andrei kirilenko= no thank you.

 

[VF21]

Ohhhhh, he was the euroleague defensive player of the year.......I don't care what he does against the euroleague. Those are not nba players. 41% 3 point shooting last year with cska.... pretty sure that 3 point line is about 3 feet closer than the one in the nba. So how about you know what your talking about before you post. Andrei kirilenko= no thank you.

Why is it the newbies always have to try and act tough?

Dude, you're wrong on a number of levels. First, your view of the Euro league is short-sighted and myopic. While the NBA is certainly still the premiere league in most opinions, there is a lot of talent playing in Europe. To say otherwise is a indication that perhaps you don't know what you're talking about.

Kingsfans.com has an incredible variety of members from countries all over the world. And within that number are some of the most well-informed basketball minds you'll find on any forum around. Instead of getting into a stupid pissing contest with another member, why not take the example of posters like bajaden, Bricklayer, Carolija and many others and prove your argument with good sound logic?

 

[JB_kings]

Here is the thing, at the best of times Sacramento was not a very attractive location for free agents. The ones that we did sign, we had to offer a larger deal than anyone else to get them here. Divac got a HUGE deal as 30 year old. He didn't come here because he loved Sacramento. He came because the money was too good to refuse. Miller got a huge contract from us which led to a sign and trade to get him here. Shareef got here after Nets rescinded their offer because of knee concerns and even then, we offered more than any other team was prepared to offer.

Webber we had to shell out a huge deal for to stay. I might say that keeping the guys here is generally not the problem provided that we pay around the market rate but getting them here IS a problem and the only way you get over that, is to overpay. You don't offer those contracts to Vlade, Miller, Webber (hefty re-signing, though justified for talent level) and even Bibby (another hefty re-signing), there is no "golden years" for this franchise.

Over paying for free agent is part and parcel of being a small market team. Unless of course you are a contending team with a hall of fame coach at the helm who half the NBA would give their right arm to play for (SA and Pop).

Provided that our owners are not broke and actually wanted and had the ability to spend, this is precisely the time when Sacramento should be offering Batum $12 million per season, or Wallace $10 million because now is the time BEFORE you lose all your cap space is taken up by re-signing your foundation players (Cousins and Reke). But since we are broke, penny pinching franchise that sells picks or makes deals to get some pocket change in return, then the best we can hope for is to preserve cap space to re-sign our own guys and once this team gets taken over by a owner capable of having a professional sports team, then we can spend money doing sign and trades to attract FAs. Harder way to do it but still doable provided we have the finances.

Divac came here because of a few reasons and I think without any one of them he would not have come. California team closer to LA. Money was great, but starting centers always get paid big. Even the untalented ones. And also importantly, the Kings had pulled off the Chris Webber trade. So the team had added legit all star talent on board.

 

[steelevt]

Why is it the newbies always have to try and act tough?

Dude, you're wrong on a number of levels. First, your view of the Euro league is short-sighted and myopic. While the NBA is certainly still the premiere league in most opinions, there is a lot of talent playing in Europe. To say otherwise is a indication that perhaps you don't know what you're talking about.

Kingsfans.com has an incredible variety of members from countries all over the world. And within that number are some of the most well-informed basketball minds you'll find on any forum around. Instead of getting into a stupid pissing contest with another member, why not take the example of posters like bajaden, Bricklayer, Carolija and many others and prove your argument with good sound logic?

he already stated that those who didnt agree with his view on ak are "bigger idiots than he thought." do you expect to reason with him? i tried with current stats and awards given to ak and his response was "i dont care about the euroleague." i guess it was my mistake to try to prove my argument with logic based on recent stats/awards instead of saying you are wrong because...i said so

 

[VF21]

he already stated that those who didnt agree with his view on ak are "bigger idiots than he thought." do you expect to reason with him? i tried with current stats and awards given to ak and his response was "i dont care about the euroleague." i guess it was my mistake to try to prove my argument with logic based on recent stats/awards instead of saying you are wrong because...i said so

It was the nicest of my possible alternatives.

 

[IfAt1st]

Like I have said many times before, AK is in a very different position than many other players exploring NBA or Europe as a destination. He is actually better off financially staying in Europe than coming back to the NBA.

Lots of great info about Euro-league differences. :thumbsup:

 

[rainmaker]

Oh please!

I agree with much of this. The culture is clearly different than it is here. I follow Euro soccer pretty closely so I understand it pretty well. Also have been to two Euroleague basketball games and the atmosphere is crazy. It's completely true kids grow up rooting for their hometown(mostly) club and dream of wearing that jersey from the time they can first remember, both in basketball and soccer.

Completely different culture. The passion is crazy compared to here. Kings fans are pretty passionate but still some get criticized for being too sharp with their criticism. In European soccer the fans(supporters) absolutely demand the best from their owners, and coach, and if they aren't seeing it, here comes the banners, the marches down streets on gameday, the chants, all of it. I've been influenced by it given my other half is European and it's partly why I'm not so calm when I see FO mistakes regarding the Kings, and the funny thing is I'm timid compared to my European counterparts. In Europe the owners seem to have much mroe respect for the fans, will sit down and talk to them and try to live up to their expectations. Here, we're a means for revenue. In Europe, I've seen players sold or not signed because of the uproar from fans. Here, owners couldn't give a damn what fans think about personel moves and what the fans expectations are for the most part, but celebrate with fans when convenient. I can fully believe AK loves the passion and support around CSKA and being the face of not only the franchise but Russian basketball.

@baller13, I think you're completely underrating the Euroleague. There are a few Euroleague teams which would have beaten us in a best of three series last year.

 

[ParniValjak]

Just a note on European contract, Barcelona want to re-sign their center for, wait for it 3 million euros per season. This is Erazem Lobrek that we are talking about and he is not even best at his position in Europe.

And this is a little snapshot about passion that rainmaker was talking about.

And this is the fans saying goodbye to Nikola Pekovic when the lockout ended

Now when you are talking about Kirilenko and the money he can make in Europe, it really becomes a no brainer unless the money is too good to refuse.

 

[KingsFanSince85]

Sorry, I don't buy this theory regarding AK being better off in the Europe. Fact of the matter is, he was seriously toying with the idea of coming back to the NBA. While I can't possibly know for certain, I feel he would be back in the NBA right now had the NJ Nets made him a priority and a decent offer. The point is, the allure of staying in Europe isn't as enticing as it's being made out to be. If it was, he wouldn't have been considering the Nets or the Kings last season. But he was.

Also, while playing near home is obviously enticing for AK, I'm sure he still has the competitive fire to compete against the very best players and teams in the world, which is probably another reason he was seriously considering coming back. He's not going to get that where he's playing now. Again, say what you want about how much money he'll clear in Europe after taxes and how he's the MVP of the league ... the fact is, he was and may still be considering coming back to the NBA so all those factors aren't as big as they are being made out to be.

Lastly, I remember hearing all the talk a few years back about the Euro leagues enticing NBA players to come play over there. When Josh Childress opted to go there, many tried to argue that it was going to be a trend and even star players such as LeBron James may go. I called shenanigans but many still argued that it was going to happen for the same reasons stated here. They'd clear more money, etc. It's been several years now and it still hasn't happened. Josh Childress came back and no legit stars (without Euro ties) ever went there.

99% of the best players in the world want to play in the best league in the world against the best competition in the world. AK has become one of the exceptions to that rule and part of the 1%. Who knows, he may still change his mind in another year or so.

 

[ParniValjak]

Sorry, I don't buy this theory regarding AK being better off in the Europe. Fact of the matter is, he was seriously toying with the idea of coming back to the NBA. While I can't possibly know for certain, I feel he would be back in the NBA right now had the NJ Nets made him a priority and a decent offer. The point is, the allure of staying in Europe isn't as enticing as it's being made out to be. If it was, he wouldn't have been considering the Nets or the Kings last season. But he was.

Also, while playing near home is obviously enticing for AK, I'm sure he still has the competitive fire to compete against the very best players and teams in the world, which is probably another reason he was seriously considering coming back. He's not going to get that where he's playing now. Again, say what you want about how much money he'll clear in Europe after taxes and how he's the MVP of the league ... the fact is, he was and may still be considering coming back to the NBA so all those factors aren't as big as they are being made out to be.

Lastly, I remember hearing all the talk a few years back about the Euro leagues enticing NBA players to come play over there. When Josh Childress opted to go there, many tried to argue that it was going to be a trend and even star players such as LeBron James may go. I called shenanigans but many still argued that it was going to happen for the same reasons stated here. They'd clear more money, etc. It's been several years now and it still hasn't happened. Josh Childress came back and no legit stars (without Euro ties) ever went there.

99% of the best players in the world want to play in the best league in the world against the best competition in the world. AK has become one of the exceptions to that rule and part of the 1%. Who knows, he may still change his mind in another year or so.

Navarro, Fernandez, Kirilenko, Krstic et al say otherwise.

Its different when an American goes over to Europe. It takes time to acclimatize to the European life style and just as importantly, the game itself because it is very different to the NBA. With European players, it is practically plug and play. Josh Childress is a very average example to use because he was never a great fit in the league. Navarro left years ago and never looked like coming back. Fernandez just left this year. This is the second time Krstic has gone back and will stay with CSKA and Kirilenko has decided against returning for the second time again.

There are different circumstances. Childress was never going to be one of the best players in Europe. His game is not a great fit and when you consider the big lifestyle and cultural change, it was going to be tough for a while and there was a risk of homesickness.

European born players are much more inclined to stay there than coming back to the NBA provided that there is a real difference between financial terms. Krstic could score MLE deal here (in fact had that type of offer form 3 or 4 NBA teams) but decided he will stay with CSKA for another year and see if that improves. AK is a unique case whether you like it or not and I can guarantee you will will have this same discussion next year.

He will again have an opt-out clause that allows him to return to the NBA (as will Krstic) and once again, I am more than confident in saying that AK will once again remain in Russia as the move won't make much sense.

While it's not the NBA, people seriously under-rate the level of competition in Euroleague, especially when it gets to the top 16 stage and onwards.

 

[RussoTuristo]

I still believe (may be foolishly) that Kirilenko wanna come back, at least it is 50/50. He only played for one team in here and I think he wants to see what he can do on another team.

I have a question about another Russian product - G/F Alex Shved. Is he good? Do we need him? As I understand, he came to the US 1-2 days ago to talk to NBA teams.

 

[bajaden]

You are assuming that NBA is be all and end all for Kirilenko.

Like I have said many times before, AK is in a very different position than many other players exploring NBA or Europe as a destination. He is actually better off financially staying in Europe than coming back to the NBA. Unless of course he gets $9 million per season deal and even then he needs to think whether he would rather play for a perennial winner in Europe for $8 million per season equivalent or $9 million per season for an NBA lottery team.

Personally speaking, if I were Kirilenko, I would opt for staying in Europe with CSKA. I get around 3 million euros per season AFTER tax. I get a luxury apartment in the centre of Moscow and a luxury car on top of my contract. As a biggest name in basketball in Russia and Europe, I have sponsorship offers from everywhere. I have earned more than enough over my career to let $1million per season be a major deciding factor. On top of that, I get to finish my career with the club that I have started my career with and if I win the Euroleague, it would be a poetic way for me to go out. CSKA just signed arguably Europe's best coach in Ettore Messina and by the looks of it, the team that came so close last year is staying in tact (Krstic also likely to stay with CSKA) and on top of that we just signed 2 great enforcements so we will be better than last year.

There is nothing left for Kirlenko to prove in the NBA, outside of winning the MVP (not going to happen) and NBA title (also not going to happen) so might as well spend my last few years enjoying my basketball in the club where it all started, still getting some great coin for it and on top of that have endorsement deal that I could only dream about in USA.

I have claimed even last off-season that getting Kirilenko back to the NBA will be difficult because its at the point where he is probably better off playing in Europe for the rest of his career. The games are shorter (40 minutes), there is less games to play which will no doubt improve his longevity in the game and on top of that, he is playing for a perennial winner and one of the most prestigious clubs in Europe AND getting paid at least as much if not more than he would in the NBA. It makes much more sense to stay than return to NBA. That is from my point of view which also knows how these things work in Europe and the love for the club that these players have. Kirilenko bleeds CSKA's red just like Pekovic bleeds Partizan's black and white.

Actually, I never assume anything. I have no idea whats going on in Kirilenko's mind. I was simply stating what I think the future holds if he decides to stay in europe. If thats what he wants, then more power to him. All I was saying, is that if his desire is for one more big payday, then he should come back to the NBA now, and not in a couple of years from now when he's older. I think everyone should do what they want to do in life, if possible, rather than do what others want you to do. So hey, if he wants to play over there for the rest of his career, I wish him well.

 

[baller13]

The euroleauge. Give me a break. So you all want kirilenko to be our small forward. Well lets see, he hasnt made an all defensive team since 2006, but hey maybe he has gotten better in the last 6 years. Kinda doubt it. I dont care what award he won in europe. Last i checked while he was in europe he wasnt guarding Lebron james, carmelo anthony, kevin durant, rudy gay, paul pierce, danny granger, caron butler, luol deng, andre iguodala. Just to name a few. His 3 point shooting in europe in meaningless since the european 3 point line is about 3 feet closer than the nba 3 point line. Yes his last year in the nba he shot about 37%, but 3 out of the previous 4 years he was at or below 29% so what does that tell you. Is that good enough for you? How is that for an arguement? didnt realize i had to spell it out for you, i expected people on a basketball site to have a little more knowledge.

 

[RussoTuristo]

The euroleauge. Give me a break. So you all want kirilenko to be our small forward. Well lets see, he hasnt made an all defensive team since 2006, but hey maybe he has gotten better in the last 6 years. Kinda doubt it. I dont care what award he won in europe. Last i checked while he was in europe he wasnt guarding Lebron james, carmelo anthony, kevin durant, rudy gay, paul pierce, danny granger, caron butler, luol deng, andre iguodala. Just to name a few. His 3 point shooting in europe in meaningless since the european 3 point line is about 3 feet closer than the nba 3 point line. Yes his last year in the nba he shot about 37%, but 3 out of the previous 4 years he was at or below 29% so what does that tell you. Is that good enough for you? How is that for an arguement? didnt realize i had to spell it out for you, i expected people on a basketball site to have a little more knowledge.

Don't make a fool of yourself. Kirilenko is a premier defender and legitimate rim protector. He is capable of defending 5 positions in NBA.

 

[Prince_XY]

The euroleauge. Give me a break. So you all want kirilenko to be our small forward. Well lets see, he hasnt made an all defensive team since 2006, but hey maybe he has gotten better in the last 6 years. Kinda doubt it. I dont care what award he won in europe. Last i checked while he was in europe he wasnt guarding Lebron james, carmelo anthony, kevin durant, rudy gay, paul pierce, danny granger, caron butler, luol deng, andre iguodala. Just to name a few. His 3 point shooting in europe in meaningless since the european 3 point line is about 3 feet closer than the nba 3 point line. Yes his last year in the nba he shot about 37%, but 3 out of the previous 4 years he was at or below 29% so what does that tell you. Is that good enough for you? How is that for an arguement? didnt realize i had to spell it out for you, i expected people on a basketball site to have a little more knowledge.

Excellent points.

But I am still for getting AK47 if he can be had for about $8 M per year and only for 2-3 years. He is many times better than what we have in our SFs now.

 

[ParniValjak]

I still believe (may be foolishly) that Kirilenko wanna come back, at least it is 50/50. He only played for one team in here and I think he wants to see what he can do on another team.

I have a question about another Russian product - G/F Alex Shved. Is he good? Do we need him? As I understand, he came to the US 1-2 days ago to talk to NBA teams.

He is a solid European prospect but I think he might have committed to the T-Woles. Pretty sure I read somewhere that he will play for them in summer league. Could be wrong.

 

[baller13]

Don't make a fool of yourself. Kirilenko is a premier defender and legitimate rim protector. He is capable of defending 5 positions in NBA.

He is 6'9 and only 225 lbs. And you think he can defend all 5 postions. Pretty sure you are the on embarrasing yourself.

 

[Telemachus]

He is 6'9 and only 225 lbs. And you think he can defend all 5 postions. Pretty sure you are the on embarrasing yourself.

The fact that he has be successful defending all 5 positions in the NBA begs to differ with you. Obviously, there are some centers he would struggle with, but nowadays there are a lot more players at the 5 who normallly would play the 4.

 

[Warhawk]

He is 6'9 and only 225 lbs. And you think he can defend all 5 postions. Pretty sure you are the on embarrasing yourself.

You mean like a certain 6' 9" PG who famously played center in the 1980 NBA Finals with 42 points and 15 boards at that position? That ring any bells?

 

[mac]

The euroleauge. Give me a break. So you all want kirilenko to be our small forward. Well lets see, he hasnt made an all defensive team since 2006, but hey maybe he has gotten better in the last 6 years. Kinda doubt it. I dont care what award he won in europe. Last i checked while he was in europe he wasnt guarding Lebron james, carmelo anthony, kevin durant, rudy gay, paul pierce, danny granger, caron butler, luol deng, andre iguodala. Just to name a few. His 3 point shooting in europe in meaningless since the european 3 point line is about 3 feet closer than the nba 3 point line. Yes his last year in the nba he shot about 37%, but 3 out of the previous 4 years he was at or below 29% so what does that tell you. Is that good enough for you? How is that for an arguement? didnt realize i had to spell it out for you, i expected people on a basketball site to have a little more knowledge.

Who died today? Was it Rover, the family dog?

 

[NoBonus]

Looks like AK47 is staying in Europe.

http://www.eurohoops.net/2012/07/dunks/7100

It’s almost a done deal and it’s a big win for European basketball. Andrei Kirilenko, the marquee superstar of last season’s Euroleague, according to sources from Moscow has already decided to stay at least one more year at CSKA.

 

[Jkbiker]

If Kirilenko does return to the NBA, the speculation is that the Nets would be the front runners. The former Utah Jazz star is friends with Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov, who earlier this year lost in his bid to be elected president of Russia. However, Kirilenko can only make the veteran’s minimum (about $1.2 million for him) if he signs with Brooklyn. The Warriors could double that in the first year of a deal. Contra Costa Times

Wow I would be sooooo pissed if AK47 went to Warriors for 2.4 mil? Can we get someone to sign AK47 then trade him to us? Cap Smap! Isnt there anything we can do?