Andrei Kirilenko had a season to forgetin 2006 - 2007. His numbers across the board dropped, and for essentially the entire season hewasn't happy. With Deron Williams emerging into a borderline all star, Carlos Boozer putting up huge numbers nightly and Okur continuing to rack up the points and rebounds, Kirilenko's production was always going to take a hit. But it wasn't expected it would take that much of a hit. Trade rumours swirled as a result of Kirilenko reportedly not being happy on the Jazz and the struggles he was having. But he's still on the Jazz right now and looks like he will be for 2007 - 2008. There's no doubt that he has talent, he was an all star. But the issue seems to be a mental one, and how happy Kirilenko is with having a smaller role on offense. Can Kirilenko accept his role as a predominantly defensive specialist, which the Jazz badly need him to be? Or as long as the Jazz are healthly will he continue to struggle fitting in with the team?</p>
Are any Jazz fans worried about Boozer? While putting up numbers, last years GP was the highest since his rookie year. If something were to happen to him, sure AK's role would go up.</p> Besides that a season later, sure the Jazz will be able to involve him more. He's got a very expensive guy for someone who is predominantly defensively specialist.</p> -Petey</p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Petey)</div><div class='quotemain'> Are any Jazz fans worried about Boozer? While putting up numbers, last years GP was the highest since his rookie year. If something were to happen to him, sure AK's role would go up.</p> Besides that a season later, sure the Jazz will be able to involve him more. He's got a very expensive guy for someone who is predominantly defensively specialist.</p> -Petey</p></div> Have to be concerned about Boozer. Of course injuries can happen to anyone at anytime, but he has had serious injury troubles in the past. He led the Jazz in PPG and RPG, and stepped up his game in the playoffs. If he goes down, the Jazz are still competitve but aren't nearlythe same team. He's the biggest reason the Jazz were the best rebounding team in the league.I'm more concerned aboutDeron Williams getting a serious injury, if he doesthe Jazz are screwed. </p>
I think he shouldn't be that concerned as long as there winning. Of course he blamed not enough touches which is true as you watch him play for Russia but Jazz were playing better basketball when Deron and Boozer were the primary scorers. They still need him with the rebounding, block shots and overall prescence in the post, but for scoring, they have a lot more options for the 82 games.
I think Kirilenko's role changed last year. He should be more productive this year because got last year out of the way. I expect to a great bpg average as well higher apg and rpg.
