Masha Kirilenko speaks out on her husband's struggle: http://www.deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,660214624,00.html The question is, what were they thinking two years ago when AK signed the 6 year 75M deal?
The same thing most od us thought at the time - that he was a supreme defender/shot blocker, a good slasher, great on the break and had a nice developing offensive game. But, they brought in other players around him that became more of the offensive focal point and who fit Sloan's half-court system and he hasn't adjusted. I still think he can be a hell of a player but maybe, as his recent antics may suggest, he just may not have the mental makeup to take that next step in his game. Most teams would have given him that contract based on hwta he showed at the time.
and how many years has AK been in the league now? and does Yao still have an interpreter follow him around?
I dont see the own. Kinda funny though. 6 years 75 M. Well think about it. He was getting about 18 and 10 with 2 steals and 3 blocks, franchise was set for him and he was an all star, it looks good for ur team to have an all star... makes sense to me with those numbers.
Yea, he spoke just fine last night after the game when interviewed and, if it was an issue, why does it come up just now? Plus, she says Yao always has an interpreter. He hasn't had one in years.
Lamest excuse. Solan to AK " Yo AK, what's-up with your ankles, feelin better?' Ak to Solan " Caoch, are you calling wuss???" Wuuuuu ....
AK speaks fine English, this is really just a matter of him being sensitive and Jerry Sloan being a hardass. Bad combination for a player with a max contract. And Yao hasn't had an interpreter since his rookie year.
remember when all those baseball cheaters were sitting infront of congress and Sosa who speaks perfect english all of a sudden "could not speak the inglish" AK real likely AK47=loser, mental midgit ie Brad Lidge
That's awesome. For all the talk about how great Sloan is as a coach, he's managed to destroy his top blue chip player. Sloan is the one who was tasked with optimizing the talent on his roster, and he's clearly been unable to do that. I see AK47's struggles less as his fault and more as Sloan's failings.
