Europe Interview: Andrei Kirilenko

[MiltPalacio (Milt)]

Europe Interview: Andrei Kirilenko Of CSKA Moscow

By: Erildas Budraitis
Jan 30, 2012 8:20 PM EST


On coming back to Russia and playing for the team of Kirilenko's home country:

“I was put in very unique situation with the NBA lockout. I had a chance to
play in front of the Russian fans and play for a team with which I started my
career. It is very nice to get back and play for my fans, family and friends
who haven't seen me play since the start of my career. Right now, being a
10-year veteran, having good experience in American basketball, coming back
to play when I am not too old and retired, but when I am in great shape. It
is really great.”


On his decision to not come back to the NBA but stay in Europe for the whole
season:

“When the lockout was over, I had an option in my contract that I can leave
and go back to the NBA. I was thinking a lot about that. The main thing is
that we already did so much work with my teammates. You can't leave halfway
when you put a lot of work and effort. The other thing is that NBA season is
very messy this year. Teams had only two weeks to prepare and the season is
very intensive. To get to an NBA team and to start all over again, it is very
uncomfortable. I think I should do it in the summertime when I will have
enough time to prepare myself and my family for moving back to the States. I
decided to take those 12 months to prepare and come back to the NBA in the
summertime. Also, the London Olympics qualification tournament will take
place this summer, it is another factor that I want to be in Russia with
Russian players so we could do something for this year. Move to the
tournament with great understanding. My NBA career is definitely not over. I
am looking forward for the next season to move back to the NBA. I think have
few years left there.”


On sentiments for the Jazz organization:

“Definitely, I feel sentiments to the Jazz. There are many memories and I
still keep in touch with them, watch the results and cheer for the Jazz. I
have many great friends there, including the head coach, who was not a head
coach at that time. The Jazz were very friendly and hospitable to my family
and me. It means a lot to me. I spent 10 years of my life there, probably the
best years of my life. I hope one day I will get back there. I still keep in
touch with the guys. Raja Bell, Paul Millsap, Al Jefferson, C.J. Miles. A lot
of guys are still there. Definitely, the Utah Jazz would be my leading
priority on coming back to the NBA. Ten years with the Jazz, you can't throw
it away. I have great memories for there.”


On getting an American passport:

“Getting an American passport has not changed my life at all. It helps me
with the traveling. I was born in Russia and I am a Russian. Right now, I am
spending most of the time in Russia because I am playing here. I went back to
the U.S. for few days because of the paperwork. It is not like I am looking
forward to come back [to the U.S.], but if I have time, why not.”




REALGM  http://tinyurl.com/6wxlpk4

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