Andrei Kirilenko

The first Russian first-round pick who anchored the Jazz defense for over a decade before a lockout return to Europe.

Andrei Kirilenko, nicknamed 'AK-47', is a Russian executive and former professional player who played for the Utah Jazz from 2001 to 2011 and returned for part of the 2014–15 season. He joined the team in September 2001 after being selected by them with the 24th overall pick in the 1999 NBA draft, becoming the first Russian chosen in the first round. During his decade-plus tenure in Utah, he established himself as a premier defender and versatile playmaker, earning spots on the All-Rookie First Team and playing in the 2004 All-Star Game.

Quick Facts

Born: 18 February 1981
Birthplace: Izhevsk, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union
Nationality: Russian; American
Draft round: 1
Draft pick: 24
Drafted by: Utah Jazz
Career position: Power forward; small forward
Career number: 47, 15

Lore & Background

Kirilenko's time with the Utah Jazz began after he spent two seasons with CSKA Moscow following his 1999 draft selection. He officially joined the Jazz in September 2001 on a rookie-scale contract. His impact was immediate; by March 15, 2002, he recorded a then-career-high 27 points in a win over the Detroit Pistons while starting for injured Karl Malone. As John Stockton retired and Malone left in 2003, Kirilenko stepped up as a leader, playing and starting in 78 of Utah's 82 games that season. He led the team to a 42–40 record and finished fifth in Defensive Player of the Year voting. His defensive prowess was historic; in the 2005–06 season, he recorded a career-high 10 blocks against Indiana on March 26, finishing first in the league with 220 total blocks. He remains the only player since 1985–86 to finish a game with at least 6 steals, 6 blocks, 6 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists.

Reader's Guide

Kirilenko's NBA journey extended beyond Utah. During the 2011 lockout, he returned to Russia to play for CSKA Moscow, leading them to the 2012 EuroLeague Final and earning EuroLeague MVP honors. He then joined the Minnesota Timberwolves for the 2012–13 season as a starting small forward. In his single season with Minnesota, he played 64 games, averaging 12.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting 51% from the field. His best performance came on November 14, 2012, when he scored 26 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in an 89–87 loss to the Charlotte Bobcats. After opting out of his final year with Minnesota in June 2013, he signed a two-year deal with the Brooklyn Nets. His NBA career concluded after a brief, controversial stint with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he was waived before playing a game following a dispute over reporting to the team.

Did You Know?

He led the NBA in blocked shots per game during the 2004–05 season despite playing only 41 games due to a broken wrist.
He won the EuroLeague MVP award in 2012 while leading CSKA Moscow to the Final during the NBA lockout, though CSKA lost the final to Olympiacos.
Kirilenko was elected president of the Russian Basketball Federation in 2015.