Russian · Izhevsk, Russia · Born 18 February 1981Russian basketball forward known for his versatility and defensive prowess during 14-year NBA career, primarily with Utah Jazz from 2001-2011.
Andrei Grigoryevich Kirilenko was born in Izhevsk, Russia in 1981. Utah Jazz selected him 24th overall in the 1999 NBA Draft and he joined the team in 2001. His 14-season career produced 12.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.5 blocks per game — the blocks average making him one of the most prolific shot-blockers for a small forward in NBA history. He was selected to one All-Star game and named All-NBA Defensive Second Team three times. He won the EuroBasket championship with Russia in 2007. His nickname AK-47 referred both to his initials, his jersey number and the iconic Soviet weapon — a combination that Russian fans and American commentators embraced. In the 2004-05 season he produced a statistical impossibility that no other player achieved — 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 200 assists, 150 blocks and 100 steals in the same season. His defensive versatility — he could guard positions 1 through 5 effectively — made him the prototype for the positionless defender that analytics-driven teams later specifically sought. He was arguably the most statistically unique player of the 2000s decade.
Elite shot-blocking forward and versatile defender
How They Played
Versatile defender with exceptional shot-blocking ability, could play multiple positions
Lasting Impact
One of the most versatile defenders in NBA history, known for ability to guard multiple positions
Career Honours
- All-Star 1x
- All-NBA Defensive Second Team 3x
- EuroBasket Gold (Russia 2007)
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Utah Jazz | 2001–2011 | 705 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 2012–2013 | 74 |
| New Jersey Nets | 2013–2015 | — |
| Brooklyn Nets | 2014–2015 | 45 |
Russian Athletes