Answer: I don't think there is a simple answer to your question.

My gut reaction is that Kirilenko does not have the bulk or strength to play most of his minutes at power forward. Physically, it seems to me that he would be overmatched most of the time on defense, especially in the low post. That said, his length and his shot-blocking ability would create problems for any opponent, if Kirilenko could keep them from backing him down and getting to the rim.

I believe Kirilenko would have even bigger problems as a power forward in the Jazz's offense. He does not have many low-post moves, other than to lower his head, spin and try to get to the basket. He doesn't have the kind of mid-range jump shot that made Karl Malone such a dangerous power forward in the past and is a vital part of Carlos Boozer's arsenal. A pick-and-pop, with Kirilenko stepping back for a 16-foot jump shot, probably would be something an opposing would be willing to give the Jazz, don't you think?

Utah's offense also depends on a power forward (or center) who can go inside, post-up and create openings for others. This is not Kirilenko's strength, probably because he has never been asked to do much of it. He would rarely draw double-teams, meaning Jazz players like Memo Okur, Kyle Korver and Deron Williams probably wouldn't get the kind of looks they get now when the ball goes into Boozer.

As I said, however, this is a complicated question.

Suppose the Jazz tried playing Kirilenko at power forward, with Boozer moving over to center, like they did many times in the post-Mark Eaton years when Karl Malone played alongside less physical teammates like Antoine Carr, Donyell Marshall, Danny Manning, Tom Chambers and Thurl Bailey?

With Boozer still in the game and playing his familiar role as a low-post scorer who would command the attention of the defense, Kirilenko would play the center's role, which means staying outside and spotting up for a jump shot, or occasionally diving to the basket.

The Boozer-Kirilenko combination would work on offense. No question in my mind.

But what about defensively?

I have already told you that I think Kirilenko would struggle most nights on defense at power forward. Now consider Boozer trying to guard opposing centers like Shaquille O'Neal, Tim Duncan, Yao Ming. Malone was strong enough to do it, when asked. I don't think Boozer is capable of standing up Shaq, Duncan and Yao. That's why I don't think a Boozer-Kirilenko combination at the two power positions would work too well -- at least for extended periods of time.

The bottom-line?

Kirilenko's best position is small forward, at least in Utah, considering the current makeup of the Jazz's roster and the system that is in place.

It's funny.

Whenever the topic turns to Kirilenko and his abilities, I am reminded of a discussion I once had with Eddie Sefko, my friend who formly covered the Rockets for the Houston Chronicle and now covers the Mavericks for the Dallas Morning News.

"If Kirilenko is your best player," Eddie said, "you aren't a very good team. But if Kirilenko is your third or fourth best player, then you're pretty damn good."

That would be my answer to your question about Kirilenko's outstanding season in 2003-04 season, when he averaged team-high 16.5 points and the Jazz -- despite overachieving to the point where Jerry Sloan should have been the Coach of the Year -- just missed the playoffs with a 42-40 record.