Andrei Kirilenko’s lingering legacy in Utah is a massive contract, a series of injuries and — at least in the minds of some — unfulfilled expectations.
But is that fair?
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Andrei Kirilenko file
» Played in his only All-Star Game in 2003-04.
» Led the league in blocked shots in 2004-05.
» In 45 playoffs games, averaged 10.1 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists.
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During a decade with the Jazz, Kirilenko became one of the most versatile and productive players in franchise history.
Only Mark Eaton blocked more shots.
Only John Stockton, Karl Malone, Rickey Green and Deron Williams handed out more assists.
Only five players, led by Stockton, Malone and Adrian Dantley, scored more points.
Still, Kirilenko and the Jazz went their separate ways before the lockout-shortened season of 2011-12. He played in his native Russia last year — and enjoyed spectacular success — before deciding to return to the NBA.
In July, Kirilenko signed a two-year, $20 million contract with Minnesota, which visits Utah on Wednesday for what will be his first-ever game against the Jazz.
"It is overwhelming for me — coming back to EnergySolutions Arena," Kirilenko said. "And it will be very strange — going to the guest locker room — because I have so many great memories with Jazz. But I am with Timberwolves now, so I must go to guest locker room."
He is playing well.
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Although Kirilenko has missed four of Minnesota’s 27 games because of injuries, he averages 13.3 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.2 assists for coach Rick Adelman.
"It’s been great, coming back from Russia," Kirilenko said. "I had to change my schedule again, but the team is looking good. The coach is good. They have created the same atmosphere as Utah — you know — during Stockton and Malone."
The Jazz selected Kirilenko with the 24th pick in the 1999 draft, although he stayed in Russia for another two seasons before coming to Utah. He was 20 years old.
Kirilenko’s athleticism and willingness to complement aging Hall of Famers Stockton and Malone made him a fan favorite.
When Stockton retired and Malone signed for a final season with the L.A. Lakers in 2003, Kirilenko became the cornerstone on a young team some predicted would win 10 games.
Instead, the Jazz finished 42-40 and just missed the playoffs, snapping a 20-year streak of qualifying for the postseason.
Kirilenko played in the All-Star Game.
"He was just so creative," said former teammate Kyle Korver, who now plays for Atlanta. "I remember, I’d throw the ball into him and I’m just cutting through and all of a sudden, he’s bouncing it between his legs and I’m getting a layup. Or he’s coming out of nowhere to block shots.
"He was so good along the baseline. We had a couple guys — him and Ronnie Brewer — who worked the baseline like no one else I’ve ever known in the NBA."
Days before the 2004-05 season, Kirilenko was rewarded with a six-year, $86 million contract.
After a 6-1 start, however, injuries decimated the Jazz. Carlos Boozer, Raul Lopez, Raja Bell and Kirilenko all went down. Utah finished 26-56.
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A closer look
Kirilenko’s averages during his 10 seasons with the Jazz:
Season G Min Pts Reb Ast Stl Blk
2001-02 82 26.2 10.7 4.9 1.1 1.41 1.94
2002-03 80 27.7 12.0 5.3 1.7 1.48 2.19
2003-04 78 37.1 16.5 8.1 3.1 1.92 2.76
2004-05 41 32.9 15.6 6.2 3.2 1.63 3.32
2005-06 69 37.7 15.3 8.0 4.3 1.48 3.19
2006-07 70 29.3 8.3 4.7 2.9 1.06 2.06
2007-08 72 30.8 11.0 4.7 4.0 1.19 1.51
2008-09 67 27.3 11.6 4.8 2.6 1.24 1.15
2009-10 58 29.0 11.9 4.6 2.7 1.43 1.22
2010-11 64 31.2 11.7 5.1 3.0 1.27 1.16
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Timberwolvesat Jazz
O Wednesday, 7 p.m.
TV » ROOT
Radio » 1280 AM, 97.5 FM
Season series » First matchup
About the Jazz » Forward Marvin Williams is expected to play after sitting out the Jazz’s 107-96 loss to the Clippers on Sunday in Los Angeles. ... The Jazz have lost three consecutive games at home. ... Al Jefferson leads the Jazz with 17 points and 10 rebounds per game.
About the Timberwolves » Former Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko averages 13.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. ... Minnesota ranks second in the NBA with 46 rebounds per game. ... Point guard Ricky Rubio has played in only five games. He will not travel with the team on its two-game trip to Utah and Denver because of back spasms.
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