Andrei Kirilenko

Andrei Kirilenko
Svklimkin · CC BY 4.0 · source
Name	Andrei Kirilenko
Position	Small forward / Power forward
Weight lb	235
Birth date	18 February 1981
Birth place	Izhevsk, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union
Nationality	Russian
Draft year	1999
Draft pick	24
Draft team	Utah Jazz
Career start	1997
Career end	2015
Years1	1997–1998
Team1	Spartak Saint Petersburg
Years2	1998–2001
Team2	CSKA Moscow
Years3	2001–2011
Team3	Utah Jazz
Years4	2011–2012
Team4	CSKA Moscow
Years5	2012–2013
Team5	Minnesota Timberwolves
Years6	2013–2014
Team6	Brooklyn Nets
Years7	2014–2015
Team7	CSKA Moscow
Highlights	* NBA All-Star (2004) * NBA All-Defensive First Team (2006) * 2× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2004, 2005) * NBA blocks leader (2005) * EuroLeague champion (2012) * EuroLeague MVP (2012) * FIBA Europe Player of the Year (2007) * Russian Premier League MVP (2000) * No. 47 retired by Utah Jazz

Andrei Kirilenko is a former professional basketball player and executive from Russia, renowned for his versatile and defensive prowess during a career spanning the NBA and Europe. A one-time NBA All-Star and elite defender for the Utah Jazz, he later achieved significant success in the EuroLeague with CSKA Moscow. Following his playing days, he served as the president of the Russian Basketball Federation.

Early life and education

He was born in Izhevsk, within the Russian SFSR of the Soviet Union, and began his athletic training in various sports before focusing on basketball. He joined the youth system of Spartak Saint Petersburg, demonstrating early talent that quickly propelled him to professional ranks. His rapid development bypassed traditional university education, as he was fast-tracked into top-tier European competition.

Basketball career

His professional career commenced in 1997 with Spartak Saint Petersburg before a move to the prestigious CSKA Moscow. Selected 24th overall by the Utah Jazz in the 1999 NBA draft, he joined the team in 2001 and became a cornerstone, known for filling the stat sheet. In 2004, he was named an NBA All-Star and earned consecutive selections to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team. He led the NBA in blocks during the 2005 season and was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 2006. After a decade with the Utah Jazz, he returned to CSKA Moscow during the 2011 NBA lockout, winning the EuroLeague title and EuroLeague MVP award in 2012. He subsequently played for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Brooklyn Nets before concluding his playing career with CSKA Moscow in 2015.

Post-playing career

Immediately after retiring, he transitioned into a front-office role, being appointed as the president of the Russian Basketball Federation in 2015. In this capacity, he oversaw the national team programs during events like the 2016 Summer Olympics and the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup. His tenure focused on developing youth basketball across Russia and navigating the federation through various international competitions and governance challenges.

Personal life

He is married to Russian pop singer Masha Lopatova, and the couple has three children. He holds dual citizenship in Russia and the United States. Known for his eclectic interests, he is an accomplished musician and has been involved in various business ventures and philanthropic activities in both countries.

Legacy and honors

He is celebrated as one of the greatest Russian basketball players and most versatile defenders of his era, famously nicknamed "AK-47". His number 47 was retired by the Utah Jazz in recognition of his impact. His honors include the FIBA Europe Player of the Year award in 2007, an EuroLeague championship, and multiple NBA All-Defensive Team selections. He is remembered for popularizing the European style of multifaceted play in the NBA and for his significant leadership role in Russian basketball administration.

Category:1981 births Category:Living people Category:Russian basketball players Category:Utah Jazz players Category:CSKA Moscow players