AK47 Wants Out?

Wow I love that picture. You just know that it's going to be used on Sally Struthers' latest charity commercial. "For just pennies a day, you can feed a starving NBA player like Andrei here. Stuck in an offense that neglects him, Andrei desperately needs your help. Call toll free and we will rush you a video from Andrei, where he will take you through his difficult life filled with money, fame, and a permissive wife. Don't wait, you CAN make a difference in the life of a multi-millionaire."

Anyway, on to the fantasy news:

Andrei Kirilenko apparently wants out of Utah. In a blog translated from Russian Kirilenko reportedly asked to be traded, citing problems with Jerry Sloan's system. This comes on the heels of a rumor that surfaced a few days ago that the Suns and Jazz had discussed a Shawn Marion for Kirilenko swap.

While Kirilenko makes way too much money for most teams to go after him, there are a handful of teams such as the Lakers and Heat who would likely be willing to offer a combination of expiring contracts and young talent in order to get the versatile forward.

Regardless of which teams would pursue Kirilenko, fantasy freaks would be wise to move him up a few notches on their draft board. AK47 had one of his worst seasons last year, and if he is moved to a new system (especially an up tempo one)it is difficult to imagine him not improving. Even if Mr. 5 x 5 is not moved his trade request should at least get the Jazz to make an effort to placate him. With the amount of money AK is making this season (nearly 14 million) the Jazz can't afford for him to continue to sulk. Kirilenko will probably see an increased role in the offense, which should lead to better numbers.

The blocks will always be there, but if AK's request can get him to another team or create some changes in Utah he should see a rise in his other stats as well. If AK can get anywhere near the stats he put up a few seasons ago (15 pts, 8 rbds, ,4.3 assists, 1.5 stls, 3.2 blks) he will have second or possibly first round value. At this point, I have to conservatively project him to put up 12 points, 2 blocks, a little over a steal, 5.5 rebounds, and 3 assists. Most current drafts have him going around the 5th or 6th round, which is about right with my projected stats. However, with AK now putting the heat on Utah's management taking him in the late 3rd to early 4th round is not out of the question.

Keep your eyes focused on Utah, there just may be a fantasy star ready to be resurrected there.

I should have a blog up soon about the impact of Oden's injury on the rest of the Blazers. Be sure to subscribe to the Unpossiblog so you won't miss it!

-unpossibl1

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