<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">2. Shawn Marion, Phoenix Suns Ht./Wt.: 6-7, 230 Numbers: 19.4 pts., 11.3 reb., 1.9 ast. Outside of the nightmare against Bruce Bowen in the 2005 conference finals, Marion showed how special he is playing out of position at power forward the entire season. This season will be even better as he moves back to his natural spot. 3. Andrei Kirilenko, Utah Jazz Ht./Wt.: 6-9, 215 Numbers: 15.6 pts., 6.2 reb., 3.2 ast. Provided he stays healthy, Kirilenko is the most dynamic all around defensive player in the game and continuing to blossom on the offensive end as well. He can do everything and the Jazz need to play through him as much as possible.</div> <div align="center">Source </div>
I would actually rank Kirilenko higher, as Marion - this past season - number's were fluctuated due to the system he played in. Kirilenko is a defensive threat with his massive block numbers and can do a bit of everything on the floor. He's no slouch offensively, and look for his numbers to rise this upcoming season with a legit playmaker on the team. He's one of my favourite players in the league (top 5) and I believe he is somewhat revolutionising the game with his all around ability. I hope he has an injury free season in 2005/06, and can lead the Jazz to the playoffs
Theyre right, when hes healthy hes the most dynamic all around defensive player and he can play offense to, Kirilenko is great and definitely underated.
I definitely hope Andrei will remain healthy this season. His stats at the start of last season were crazy. 5 blpg? Thats crazy. Anyway, his dynamic game should lead Utah to at least the playoffs, provided Boozer chips in alittle.
Andre Kirilenko is an amazing all around player. if he can stay healthy the Jazz could be dangerous next season.
I'm not hating on Andrei, but notice Marion's numbers. He averaged a double double and is 2 inches shorter than Andrei. And he did all that with JJ, Qrich, and Amare on the team. In fact he even averaged more rebounds than Amare. So he did all that playing PF, which isn't his natural position. And this year He's going back to SF. And with Qrich and JJ leaving. He'll be even better this year. So Marion is a hell of a player. But don't get me wrong, Andrei deserves to be one of the best SFs in the game too.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Char:</div><div class="quote_post">Note that AK47 averages 15.6 points with no plays set for him. All D and hustle.</div> That is the type of player that helps teams win games, which is hard to find. If he is healthy for a full season the Jazz will definitely make playoffs. Its too bad the Jazz lost Bell, because a unit with PG: Deron Williams SG: Raja Bell SF: Andrei Kirilenko PF: Carlos Boozer C: Okur/Ostertag Is quite a defensive powerhouse.
Raja Bell is on the Phoenix Suns now. Either Giricek or Devin Brown will be the starting SG for the Jazz. Also don't be surprised if Deron Williams comes off the bench to begin the season. Jerry Sloan likes to work his rookies in slow, and if/when they sign McLeod, he's more familiar with Sloan's system and his role as PG. The Jazz have a solid team heading into next season. I think they lack fire power from the perimeter. The key for them is going to be staying healthy, and counting on some of their rookies and second year players to contribute right away. I consider them one of several bubble teams capable of making the playoffs in the Western Conference.
Andrei Kirilenko is a great player. Defensively, his presence changes a lot of shots, as he is an excellent shot blocker. He can steal the ball as well. He is a versatile player, who contributes well on offense. He is a huge part of the Jazz, and defintely one of the best Small Forwards in the League.
