Kirilenko Wants out of Utah
The last couple weeks have been good to Andrei Kirilenko.
After all, his Russian National Team won the 2007 Eurobasket gold. And not only that, Kirilenko was named the MVP of the tournament after he averaged 18.0 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.2 spg and 1.8 bpg. And with the win, Kirilenko and his Russian compatriots gained a berth in the 2008 Olympic games.
But things have turned somber for the Russian star, as a Russian blog penned by Andrei Kirilenko naturally turned to the upcoming NBA season. AK47, frustrated that his trade demands weren’t met last year, wrote candidly on his future with the Utah Jazz, Jerry Sloan’s coaching techniques, his contract, the fans, and how he has approached Jazz General Manager Kevin O’Connor last week to reiterate his request to be traded.
The following comes from an English translation of a Russian article:
On Jerry Sloan’s tactics: “Our salaries, our mistakes in the games, our actions outside the court is always cause for criticism.” Kirilenko says, pointing to the way Sloan uses player’s decisions on and off-the-court as justifications of disciplining and motivating his players, “I am convinced that the methods had a negative impact on me. I want to play basketball, I want to enjoy it and not be a robot, piece of Sloan, therefore, I do not see their future in the team.”
Requesting a Trade: “A few weeks ago I spoke with the general manager Kevin O ‘Connor. I told him do not see themselves in a team and want to leave. It is clear that we are ‘different,’” Kirilenko continued, “This is his choice. And I have only one request-let me go in the direction where I want. I do not want to serve the number mechanically perform the contract. Unfortunately, the past week more, and the leaders of “Jazz” no response, no negative or positive. And their silence is another example of me.
On the Utah Fans: Kirilenko spoke about his appreciation for the Jazz fans, and how they supported him, especially early in his career - “But sure that never says against the “Jazz fans. I am incredibly grateful for the love, for their support. They helped me from the first minute stay in Salt Lake City. No doubt, they will understand the reasons that motivated me.”
According to the Salt Lake Tribune, despite his demands, Kirilenko plans to report for the start of NBA training camp on Oct. 1.
Related Thread: Kirilenko to be traded?, source: Sports.Ru, RealGM, Salt Lake Tribune, Click here for another English translation of Kirilenko’s blog
