Utah Jazz star Andrei Kirilenko to play in Russia during the NBA lockout
Utah Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko is all set to play in Russia next season after he signed a contract with CSKA Moscow. Kirilenko is a restricted free agent this season and could be called back to the Jazz if the NBA lockout ends;
therefore his contract contains a get out clause as per the FIBA regulations.
Unlike other NBA players who have gone abroad during the NBA lockout, Kirilenko has made a bold step of signing a three year contract with Moscow, showing that his heart truly is in Russia. Andrei played for Moscow from 1999 to
2001, before he was drafted to the NBA and holds fond memories of his time spent here.
He expressed his pleasure at being able to return to his roots and, in a gracious gesture to show he was going to play just for the fans, Kirilenko also announced he would donate any money he made while playing for CSKA.
"I am glad to be back with the team where I spent my years of adolescence," Kirilenko said, according to a news release from the EuroLeague. "It's a pleasure to have a chance to play for Russian fans, my friends and relatives."
The 30 year old Russian averaged 11.7 points and 5.1 rebounds last season with the Utah Jazz, in a season marred by injuries. He was terrific in the EuroBasket tournament held in Lithuania last month, where he guided his side to
numerous victories.
Kirilenko is a super star in his home country, where fans absolutely adore one of the most famous Russians to play in the NBA. CSKA Moscow are a powerhouse in the European basketball theatre and, like other big European teams,
as a policy did not want to sign NBA players who could leave the side midseason.
Team president Andrei Vatutin though knows that Kirilenko is not just another NBA player, and he didn’t have the slightest of doubts when offering him the deal.
"We understand perfectly all the risks of his possible departure but we knowingly take them," Vatutin said.
CSKA Moscow coach Jonas Kazlauskas was also upbeat about the move.
"Even if he leaves the team in a month or two -- depending on his desire -- Kirilenko will play several games, and his participation will add to the interest toward our team," Kazlauskas said.
Kirilenko enjoyed a successful career in the NBA, where he rose to All-Star level and became one of the most recognizable faces in basketball due to his European origin. The player has been on the decline since a little while and
it only seems fitting that he is able to go and play in front of the faithful fans at CSKA Moscow in his twilight years.
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