Last Updated on January 29, 2025 by Mathew Diekhake

Here is detailed information about Andrei Kirilenko, a versatile forward known for his defensive skills and basketball IQ:

  • Full Name: Andrei Gennadyevich Kirilenko
  • Nationality: Russian
  • Date of Birth: February 18, 1981
  • Hometown: Izhevsk, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union
  • Height: 6 feet 9 inches (206 cm)
  • Weight: 235 pounds (107 kg)
  • Wingspan: Approximately 7 feet 4 inches (224 cm)
  • Shoe Size: Information not publicly available
  • Position: Small Forward / Power Forward
  • Jersey Number: Primarily 47 (nicknamed “AK-47” due to his initials and jersey number)
  • High School: Did not attend a traditional U.S. high school; developed through Russian basketball academies.
  • College: Did not attend college; began his professional career in Russia at a young age.
  • NBA Draft:
    • Selected 24th overall in the 1999 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz.
  • Teams Played For:
    1. Utah Jazz (2001–2011):
      • Best years of his career, earning an All-Star selection in 2004.
      • Known for his all-around game, often contributing in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.
    2. CSKA Moscow (Lockout Stints and 2011–2012): Played in Russia during NBA lockout and after leaving the Jazz.
    3. Minnesota Timberwolves (2012–2013)
    4. Brooklyn Nets (2013–2014): Brief stint.
    5. Philadelphia 76ers (2014): Did not play a game for the team and subsequently retired.
  • Accolades:
    • NBA All-Star (2004): Represented the Utah Jazz.
    • NBA All-Defensive First Team (2006) and Second Team (2004, 2005).
    • Led the NBA in blocks per game (3.3) in the 2004–2005 season, a rare feat for a small forward.
    • Known as one of the most versatile players in NBA history, capable of filling up the stat sheet in multiple categories.
    • Member of the 50-40-90 club in the EuroLeague during his time with CSKA Moscow.
    • Played for the Russian national team, winning a bronze medal at the 2012 Olympics and earning several other international accolades.
  • Championship Rings: None
  • Children: Andrei Kirilenko has four children with his wife, Masha Lopatova, a Russian pop singer.
  • Siblings: Information about siblings is not widely available.

Andrei Kirilenko is remembered as a unique player with an elite defensive mindset and the ability to impact the game in every facet. Post-retirement, he has been involved in basketball administration, including serving as the president of the Russian Basketball Federation.