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Did we misuse AK?

Carbon13 said:
No question in today's game, AK would be a top 10 player in the league. His ability to guard 1 thru 4, pass, shoot, and make plays is better than any playmaking 4 in the league right now. Unfortunately, we stifled him by playing the flex offense and not allowing him to play in space like many other PF's enjoy today. I remember watching AK crying during the playoffs basically saying he could do more but was unable to under Sloan. I remember dismissing him as a baby and giving Jerry the benefit of the doubt. Now that time has passed and I look back at what Andrei was trying to say, difficulties with English and all, I realize he may have had a point. Its almost a tragedy the way we misused him. He will forever be remembered as good, not great, while others born 15 years later with less talent will be carried by cheerleaders simply because the league finally caught up. I just hope we remember Andrei as one of our greats when its all said and done.
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I can't believe there are people that believe this crap.
.
The first year of AK's big contract, he started taking heat for not living up to everyone's expectations. So he started whinning about not getting enough touches. Sloan, trying to make AK feel loved, made a point of calling plays for AK at least two or three times a quarter. That lasted for maybe a month, then Sloan got damn tired of conceding two or three possions every quarter to the opposing team. AK on offense was a disaster, with a turnover as the likely outcome whenever a play was called for him.
 
Ellipse said:
I can't believe there are people that believe this crap.
.
The first year of AK's big contract, he started taking heat for not living up to everyone's expectations. So he started whinning about not getting enough touches. Sloan, trying to make AK feel loved, made a point of calling plays for AK at least two or three times a quarter. That lasted for maybe a month, then Sloan got damn tired of conceding two or three possions every quarter to the opposing team. AK on offense was a disaster, with a turnover as the likely outcome whenever a play was called for him.
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Its too bad injuries limited him. If only hed played today, with all the new rest, spacing, and positional versatility concepts we have today. Here's a really good article that summarizes Andrei well.

https://grantland.com/the-triangle/the-unknown-commodity-on-andrei-kirilenkos-likely-nba-retirement/
 
Carbon13 said:
Hey all, i hear ya. I just meant that if you look at how the power forward has evolved, Kirilenko would have been an exceptional fit in todays league. He could shoot well enough from the outside, to draw defenders and was too quick for most bigs. My guess is a team would have put a wing on him to counteract but AK in the post was a terror too because he was such a deft passer. Defensively he could guard 1 thru 4 and was great as a help defender. He would have been great in todays league if used correctly. Unfortunately the stifled spacing and out of position play he had to endure muffled his skills and abilities. Its too bad because he was such a talent.
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He could never shoot worth a damn nor finish through contact if his life depended on it. Are you the reincarnation of the exiled AKMVP?
 
Jeffrey32 said:
AK did not have the shooting stroke that Hayward does.
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I liked AK, loved his hustle and helpside defense... but cringed every time he launched it up... especially when we got into the mode of 'allowing him to do more' - just cuz we paid him max money... wasn't efficient.
So, in today's game, who is most 'like' AK, as he was... not what we wish he had become?
 
bjwsan said:
I liked AK, loved his hustle and helpside defense... but cringed every time he launched it up... especially when we got into the mode of 'allowing him to do more' - just cuz we paid him max money... wasn't efficient.
So, in today's game, who is most 'like' AK, as he was... not what we wish he had become?
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Josh smith?
 
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