Instead, his expression stayed emotionless, much like a poker player before delivering that winning card. And the answer from Kirilenko came in a few layers without the hint of it being a problem for the eight-year veteran re-enacting his role as sixth man for the first time since the 2005-06 season.

"I thought we played all right last night," Kirilenko said referring to Utah's 99-90 opening preseason victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. "Last night we used a few different lineups. I would be happy with coming off the bench. It wouldn't hurt my ego at all. I'm 27 years old. I've been in the league for eight years and I've played professional basketball since I was 15 . . . "

With that, Kirilenko's voice trailed off. Because Carlos Boozer was on the mend with a tweaked hamstring, Jerry Sloan started Paul Millsap at power forward, threw C.J. Miles into the starting lineup and used Kirilenko off the bench.

And for one night, the change worked. Millsap and Miles were both productive on the offensive end, scoring 20 points between them, and Kirilenko was active on both ends of the court.

Sloan has hinted to the change being more permanent over the coming weeks, especially with Matt Harpring out with an ankle infection without a timetable set for his return.

Sloan's reasoning is simple: Bringing Kirilenko off the bench would bring a much needed veteran presence to the second unit. He likes the energy Kirilenko brings off the bench and the fact it wouldn't take him long to get into the flow of the game. Plus, it's likely Kirilenko would be able to handle the ball much more than he would as a starter, simply because so much of the offense runs through Deron Williams, and being a facilitator is something that he's thrived at for his entire career.

"It would help the bench a lot," Millsap said. "The second group really lacks a creator, and that's where Andrei would help a lot."

Still, there are a number of signs beneath the surface that suggest this being a temporary deal. For one, Kirilenko doesn't historically play well off the bench. In 63 starts three years ago, the 6-foot-9 small forward averaged 15.7 points per game, 8.2 rebounds and 4.4 assists and shot 46.5 percent from the field.

In six appearances off the bench, Kirilenko wasn't nearly as effective, with his averages dipping to 11 points per game, with 6.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists and 38.6 percent field-goal shooting.

Secondly, there would be matchups - the Lakers, Houston Rockets and New Orleans Hornets come to mind - where having Kirilenko on the floor as a starter would be the best thing.

For his part, Kirilenko sees advantages to both starting and coming off the bench. Either way, he's likely to play the same amount of minutes - starter's minutes. And if coming off the bench helps Sloan better navigate through one of the deepest rosters he's ever had, then Kirilenko's all for it.

"I don't really care either way, as long as I'm playing," Kirilenko said. "Coach knows how to use me, and he knows that I'll adjust to any role that he gives me."

tjones@sltrib.com

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Jazz owner Larry Miller is expected to be back in his familiar courtside seat for tonight's preseason game against Phoenix at EnergySolutions Arena. For the story, visit www.sltrib.com/sports