Monday, October 18, 2010

Andrei Kirilenko Has Edge in Competition for Starting Spot

The Salt Lake Tribune reports that Utah Jazz head coach Jerry Sloan is leaning toward using Andrei Kirilenko as his starting small forward this season. Over the last few seasons, Kirilenko had served as Utah's sixth man.

The Breakdown
Whether Kirilenko was starting or coming off the bench, he was getting significant minutes in the Jazz rotation. The main concern with Andrei is his recent injury history. If Kirilenko can stay healthy he can be a fantasy force, which he has proven in his most productive seasons. The injury to Mehmet Okur should also ensure that he sees big minutes as Kirilenko will be counted on at the power forward spot when Paul Millsap is on the bench for a large chunk of the season.

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