At age eighteen, Andrei Kirilenko became the first Russian player selected in the first round of the NBA draft when the Utah Jazz chose him with the 24th overall pick in 1999. Known for versatile defensive play, he spent a decade in Utah before moving into executive roles, including the presidency of the Russian Basketball Federation.
Early Development and Russian Super League
Born in 1981 in Izhevsk, Kirilenko started organized basketball training at age ten. He debuted professionally in 1997 with Spartak Saint Petersburg, setting a record as the youngest participant in the Russian Super League. In 1998, he moved to CSKA Moscow, where he secured two consecutive league championships and earned MVP honors in 2000.
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Take the IQ test →Ten Seasons with the Utah Jazz
Kirilenko joined the Utah Jazz in 2001. His impact was immediate; he earned a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team. By 2004, he had been selected for the NBA All-Star Game and established himself as a dominant weak-side defender. During the 2004-05 campaign, he led the league in blocks per game despite an injury-shortened season, and he later recorded a career-high 10 blocks in a single game against Indiana in 2006.
International Competition and Euroleague Success
A stalwart for the Russian national team, Kirilenko competed in multiple Summer Olympics and won the 2007 EuroBasket title, where he earned tournament MVP honors. During the 2011 NBA lockout, he returned to CSKA Moscow, leading the team to the 2012 EuroLeague Final. That year, he received the EuroLeague MVP award, the EuroLeague Best Defender title, and a Euroscar Player of the Year selection.
Post-Utah Career and Administration
Following his tenure in Utah, Kirilenko played for the Minnesota Timberwolves and concluded his professional career with the Brooklyn Nets during the 2013-14 season. His post-playing career transitioned toward governance when he was elected president of the Russian Basketball Federation in 2015. His service to the sport is recognized through awards including the Medal of the Order for Merit to the Fatherland, 2nd class without swords.
Fast facts
- Born: 1981, Izhevsk
- NBA Draft: 24th overall pick, 1999
- NBA Team: Utah Jazz (2001–2011)
- Euroleague MVP: 2012
- Citizenship: United States, Russia, Soviet Union
- Russian Basketball Federation President: 2015
- Professional debut: 1997
Questions readers ask
What is Andrei Kirilenko's nickname?
He is commonly nicknamed AK-47.
Which team did Kirilenko play for immediately after the 2011 NBA lockout?
He returned to Russia to play for CSKA Moscow.
Achievements
- Euroleague MVP
- Medal of the Order "For Merit to the Fatherland", 2nd class without swords
- Competed at the 2000 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics
- 2002 FIBA World Championship
