Andrei Kirilenko on Playing w/ Utah Jazz, Stockton & Malone, All-NBA Defense, Pioneering for Russia

[@knuckleheadspodcastTPT]

00:00:00 Intro 00:01:19 Bust Yo' Ass 00:03:12 Saint Petersburg, Russia 00:06:24 Russian Super League 00:09:42 Draft Process 00:13:54 USA VS Russia Olympics Final 00:15:49 Utah Jazz 00:17:33 Meeting John Stockton and Karl Malone 00:19:01 AK-47 Nickname 00:24:37 Coach Jerry Sloan 00:29:50 Veterans in Utah 00:32:03 All-Star Selection 00:34:19 Stockton and Malone Retiring 00:36:53 Elite Defense 00:39:07 Leadership Approach 00:40:23 Block Leader in 41 Games 00:42:44 Going back to Moscow 00:47:59 Minnesota Timberwolves 00:51:59 Deron Williams 00:54:32 Brooklyn Nets 00:58:11 Kevin Garnett 00:59:41 World of Warcraft 01:02:25 Olympics 01:08:04 Starting 5 01:10:29 Start Bench Trade 01:13:40 International Players 01:16:13 5x5 Record and Victor Wembanyama 01:18:26 Changing Style of the Game 01:22:16 First Purchase 01:24:21 Outro

[@openranks4519]

AK47 is definitely a pioneer of international basketball in the NBA🙌🏾

[@Vxt667]

I never thought I would get blessed with this interview. Shout out to AK47

[@williamsmith1738]

Utah being warmer than Minnesota or New York in the winter is priceless

[@JonnyBPedersen]

Seems very humble and grounded

[@gersonpina3053]

AK-47 had and will always have the best nickname in NBA History

[@ryandavis6245]

Shaq is the best nickname

[@rahbaby17]

I feel u but mound bound of rebound hit different

[@gersonpina3053]

@@rahbaby17 who is that?! I never heard that name before lol

[@Lawthedestroyer]

Nah… NOTHING touches HUMAN HIGHLIGHT FILM 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@silewis9396]

​@@gersonpina3053Charles Barkley man where you been

[@jarrellsmall211]

From Tayshaun to AK-47? Yall boyz deep in that bag, definitely appreciate these episodes

[@XShaZamX]

Mannn they hitting on all cylinders!! They getting legends!! Back to back.

[@ThebiggestSHO]

I’m tellin ya!

[@gatesdabeast]

dont forget IT and Tayshaun & Shaun they going crazy!

[@hellafsho]

FRFR, the other pods REALLY don't hit like these 1z do bc it's more of MY era of bball SO MANY stars that made something for themselves or contributed in a crucial way for each franchise. Y'all Guests are ALL upper ECHELON!

[@Bigedub101]

@@jarrellsmall211 they got 2 of the highly underrated versatile wings..

[@neilpm12]

Love to see players that we don't get to hear from often

[@kurtnowitzki7777]

Facts

[@SSVladi]

Grew up in the same neighborhood with him, played for the same coach! He was a role model for all of us Saint Petersburg kids!! Helped our sports school a lot! Thank you so much Andrey! You’re legend!

[@kwamesarfo-mensah5785]

I’m struggling to understand how this podcast has less than 100K subs! Q and D Miles deserve so much more love than that!

[@FleetWashTX]

I said the same thing

[@wah8139]

This channel was just started last summer. For their first 4 or so years they was dropping interviews on player's tribune youtube channel.

[@1solo92]

@@wah8139ur 100 % right bro i just realised im not even subbed to this channel i never noticed they switched it up

[@dubs9703]

i clicked on this video so fast!!! cant wait to hear from more EURO legends. KNUCKLEHEADS got this interview game in the bag.

[@kcjones713]

Same

[@jyoti12791]

Knuckleheads WAYYY better than All The Smoke idccccc what nobody say !

[@luke304]

@@jyoti12791facts it’s not even close

[@jroc828]

@@jyoti12791 they are both good for different reasons (although Stephen Jackson tough guy persona is gettin old). But for pure hoop fans, Knuckleheads is definitely in the lead.

[@dubs9703]

@@jroc828 u right different pods are good for different reasons but in terms of basketball history and culture NOBODY is better than the KNUCKLEHEADS

[@andyzuleta5344]

This is why I like and listen to this podcast , always bringing underrated players for the love and passion of the game ! I love listening to stories and history

[@daowonimdee]

AK47 was one of my favourite players to read about in the boxscore. He filled up every category. 15pts, 8rebs, 3asts, 2stls, 3blks, 2 threes. Every night.

[@byz513]

Fantasy bball league

[@SuperSaiyanRome]

This is a crazy player to get I never thought I’d hear this guy speak hahaha. He always looked like someone you don’t want to fuck with

[@missayawk]

The basketball version of Drago.

[@gnielsen07]

I think he was a better defender than draymond in his prime. Dude was so valuable especially in todays league with switching constantly he could guard 1-5

[@dzadigital5613]

never heard this man speak . he always seem quiet and so serious. but he's a beautiful soul! love his energy!

[@goldnarms435]

AK47 was fantasy gold. Real deal stat stuffer.

[@kramer1372]

10000%%%…

[@kennethshih]

Facts. Him and the Matrix were both fantasy gold.

[@goldnarms435]

@@kennethshih Man good pull. Matrix was a BEAST. Got you everything you needed without the turnovers.

[@kennethshih]

@@goldnarms435 In baseball they have players called “5 tool players” which is the rare player that excels at all five of the major physical tools (Speed, Throwing, Fielding, Hiting for Average, and Hitting for Power). Matrix and AK47 definitely are the basketball versions of a “6 tool player”. Great in points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks along with low turnovers! Fantasy gold 💪🏼

[@HCXWinchester]

@@kennethshih They also have good fg% and good ft%. Truly fantasy GOATs.

[@SperrySpringer]

Y’all interviews really take me back to a kid watching that early 00s era🔥

[@JonnyBPedersen]

Facts from Vince to tmac and Kobe being closest thing to MJ 🐐

[@realkb64]

Kirelenko enthusiasm is unmatched. Retire his number Utah 💯

[@vbblv1337]

Already retired brother

[@FireAngelChris]

One of the best all around defensive player the NBA has ever seen.🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@chrisbutcher9626]

Dawg I have been wanting to hear an interview from AK47 forever….. this is why yall have the best basketball podcast

[@JonnyBPedersen]

Yaya boi we live and direct

[@wilseph1]

Holy crap - AK-47! Big up to Andrei Kirilenko. What an absolute menace on the court. Mans was the man with all those blocks and steals.

[@wilseph1]

@@Christo_Trismegistus It appears that your yahoo! Fantasy hoops squad benefitted from AK-47 as well?

[@ElectricLettuce1]

@@Christo_Trismegistusyeah cool stat line. I remember Batum did that atleast once

[@marcusmclemore7562]

The best basketball pod cast ...u guys talk to all the real hoopers.... thanks for the context and respect for the game !!!

[@justingrant4860]

Honestly This is why knuckleheads is the top of the top basketball podcasts.....AK-47 is a legend in his own right ....never thought i would see a sit down interview with him

[@nktechnical_9966]

AK47 is my fav European player of all time. Did not think we would get the 2 toughest guys that defended Q back 2 back, Tayshaun first and now AK47

[@tallmandingo22]

This might be my favorite Knucklehead interview. aK47 seems like a great guy and was hell of a player.

[@Broaddtoit11]

Q and D miles always on good vibes. I appreciate all the effort you into this show. Definitely one of the best hoops podcasts.

[@joebuddensbeard4139]

This is a generational episode!

[@jaygee4693]

Definitely!!! The send-off capped it off for me.

[@cameronbonds6017]

I love how Knuckleheads always get the hoopers that growing up (I’m 23) I knew who they were because their names rung bells but never really understood how great they were. Can’t wait to finish watching later

[@lordbeerus6182]

Spot on

[@Breeze704_]

The guest selection is always 🔥

[@C4DUNK]

I never heard this guy talk before. Shouts out to ya'll for getting him on! Loved AK's game.

[@lashadow8]

This is easily the best hoops podcast. knuckleheads #1

[@anthonyyoung4638]

Big fan of this podcast from the jump! You guys are giving top notch interviews with lots of different guests! The variety has been crazy! Your interview skills have also improved. AK was a swiss army knife!

[@WhoisDJNox]

I REALLY appreciate this one, he didn't do a lot of interviews BUT he was one of the Deadliest players at that time. Quiet but a killer.

[@Nick_A_Bacher]

Great freakin interview!!!! He smiled the whole time. It made me feel good watching it.

[@jarrellsmall211]

Speaking of pioneers, yall pioneered this climate of NBA podcasts, yall don't get enough credit for that fr

[@Christo_Trismegistus]

No cap. They are the real OG's

[@dimitrijetucovic1307]

Road Trippin and JJ Redick did it.

[@JamesKlass79]

Indeed! Nobody matching them on the guests or the vibes!

[@tnoyce9632]

​@@dimitrijetucovic1307hell no!!! Knuckle heads and all the smoke did this before all of them

[@dimitrijetucovic1307]

@@tnoyce9632 No they didn't, check the dates.

[@box4aza]

Yes sir! Thanks my man AK-47!!! Thank you so much! Спасибо Андрей за участие! Очень ждал этого выпуска!!!

[@STEAMHEAD4115]

Christmas came early, been waiting on AK-47 for about 2 years now, legend

[@aaronhutchinson885]

They been getting guys lately who, really don't do podcast! This elite relationship! Max player in this era! One of the greatest nicknames of all-time!

[@Musso8771]

Ya this would definitely be a good era for him to play in.

[@oceanhudson]

always loved AK-47 , even as a young lakers fan . this interview was a very cool experience. AK has such a pleasant disposition. You can tell he’s a great person .

[@markarreza]

One of the best fantasy league players of all time. If you got AK47 and Shawn Marion in your team, that was a lock on defensive stats.

[@kramer1372]

yep

[@georgeg7258]

he remembers every game he ever played, low key legend

[@GLove-e8e]

Super proud of East St.louis finest and Q.Richardson for bringing the underground stars. They're stories are awesome. Thanks for the realness no b.s.

[@javianjohnson8746]

AK47 seems like such a fun, up-beat guy

[@TCFlo]

Shit man. Y’all coming out SWINGING this season! Guests have been insane. Shout out the Knuckleheads podcast man!

[@JepLim]

This is why Knuckleheads Podcast is the best! Keep bringing up the heat with other underrated hoopers for more interviews

[@jroc828]

Best nickname in Basketball history.

[@Lawthedestroyer]

Second to me to Human Highlight Film 🎥

[@jroc828]

@@Lawthedestroyer thats up there too. But the way AK47 perfectly matched his background, jersey number, and how he played, I got that number 1. The Answer is up there as well for me.

[@Regularspic]

MAGIC

[@jroc828]

@@Regularspic never thought that nickname was that great. The player was.

[@Regularspic]

@@jroc828 wrong magic is the best nickname given to a player dropping dimes and quarters half dollars like magic you probably from Boston 😂😂

[@bizzypete1993]

AK-47!! A staple of the jazz in the 2000’s. Fantastic player!

[@TheSstretch68]

This was a great interview with AK47. I didn’t know dude had personality and was funny. BIG SHOUTOUTS TO THE KNUCKLEHEADZ!!!!

[@18t4motion]

AK47!! One of those OG Euro players that doesn't get the credit deserved..

[@e.k.5657]

No way!!! Thank you knuckleheads podcast

[@IhoopAllDay5]

Loved AK47 growing up. Real hooper & even cooler guy. Dope interview 😎 yall coming thru with banger after banger 💯

[@Crunchtime503]

AK-47 is the best nickname ever. Not only did the nickname go hard, but it matched him perfectly. He is Russian and Andrei was an absolute sniper on the court.

[@RaySProductions1]

Knuckleheads is the best podcast. These guest this season are 💯

[@alexthomas748]

Big shout out to the knuckleheads for bringing Ak-47 on the show he was a problem on defense and occasionally his offense shined too

[@jamesjones7868]

Dope interview. This was needed. AK-47 is a legend.

[@Nofunleaguesportschannel]

Ak47 was a beast really good interview 💪🤘

[@Nateington]

Picturing David Robinson playing WoW is hilarious.

[@357jp357]

Great episodes! Glad yall gave AK-47 some shine. Respect that.

[@winteriscoming276]

AK-47 helped me win my fantasy league. He was a beast who did everything on both sides of the ball.

[@ShawneeUnion]

Knuckleheads with the deep cuts

[@bmarshall8475]

Growing up in Utah my very first Basketball game was when the Jazz was playing Steve Nash and the Phoenix Suns. We were down big and Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer could not get anything going. All of a sudden Andrei Kirilenko went off on the defensive side of the ball and created turnovers which created points. We ended up winning that game and I have been a Jazz fan ever since.

[@Phil-S8]

One of my favorite players ever

[@gambitmarsh]

Finally! Ak47 in the house ❤ Thank you 🙏

[@sh00ner]

Really the most underrated basketball podcast out there. Always getting guys that nobody else interviews and they're always super interesting convos

[@jaymack6864]

To be from Russia 🇷🇺 nickname AK-47 iconic.

[@GlueGuy20]

Man this is dope! AK-47 is one of them ones. Filling up the stat-sheet in all categories, 15-9-5-5-5. Definitely a matchup nightmare for everyone. Can guard 1 to 5. One of the best basketball nicknames too. I'd put it alongside "The Truth". Knuckleheads are back at it! Let everyone know who's the pioneer of basketball podcasts. ✊😎✊

[@blessembreaks]

Such an underrated, often forgotten about killer unicorn on the court. He coulda avg 25 a game if he wanted to but he was so unselfish and cared more about being a dominant defender who would pick your pocket or swat your shot in the stands

[@KingTodd_gaming_]

Andrei Kirilenko, Boozer, Okur, Deron Williams, Kyle Korver. Jazz had a squad!

[@Paul-wu7xd]

They made it to the second round and beat T Mac and the Rockets

[@Stefa-fq4sp]

Twice in a row... ​@@Paul-wu7xd

[@ericcantor4529]

just ran into Mighty Spurs or Lakers

[@gnielsen07]

Couldn’t beat Los Angeles or San Antonio. They could take on anyone else in the west in that period !

[@maynardyorke]

ive seen nba podcasts, dudes talking ball- you guys- from questions, professionalism, and listening to guests- you guys have the skill to do this well. its not awkward and you guys have smart follow ups. much respect. new sub

[@MrFlamesP]

This is why This Podcast is the Best in the world. 💯💯💯😮😮😮

[@Emcstats]

AK47 is hands down the greatest nickname of all time !!!!!

[@spacedaddycereal73]

Man..this guy was definitely an underrated player.... the pre cursor to big 3 guard that can shoot and rebound and play a defense

[@jeremymcgrady7866]

Best basketball podcast by far to me personally. Definitely the most informative. Players from Q and D era always make for good interviews because they were there too and can give perspective

[@yonh5350]

i love this podcast so much, AK was one of them first freakishly long 3&D guys and international guys, 00s NBA is undefeated, so grateful for this pod bringing on so many great players from this era

[@lavellsmith8613]

Wow, I didn't see this coming. 💯🔥🔥💯 Thank u guys.

[@henrydurand333]

This interview made me subscribe. Great questions for a great guest! Underrated!

[@hellafsho]

GREAT interview! AK47 was such a great ball player in the West Q's shirt is FIRE af too! Keep up the great interviews with Pros that folks don't remember, forgot about or just don't talk about their impact as much. MUCH RESPECT!

[@GeminiBrown]

The Episodes Never Disappointment. BY FAR, The BEST BASKETBALL POD

[@deldickens3rd]

Knuckleheads asks the best questions man!!!! Y’all are very intuitive and informative for sure!!! 👍

[@mikeelarsen1964]

AK47 was one of my favorite players to watch as a kid. So cool to have him on here!

[@MegaTheOsiris]

Man I watch a lot of interviews and this is one of my favorites because Andrei was always a guy I admired from a distance and actually feared whenever my Dubs would play him cause I just knew he was a defensive force and a hard nose gutsy player. I love the guy way more now after watching this interview. Very endearing!! Well done boys!! Keep em coming!!

[@mariotanujaya5914]

one of my favourite players growing up, probably the most versatile role player in nba history

[@tvtee123]

Ak47 def would've fit perfect in today's NBA though.

[@mikeortiz9332]

We needed this interview!

[@jonvadmand1555]

Cool episode! I really liked the late 90's and early 2000's from my childhood. I'm a big fan of all 3 of you. Thanks for the interessting episode.

[@ShowtimeHoops23]

Best basketball pod out since the start, damn near started the game. I’m a lakers fan I’m not bias in this, Q&D are great at this

[@recrevs963]

fun interview, you fellas prepared well. good to hear from andrei.

[@BrownDevil2]

Ak47 was a must have for fantasy basketball. Great interview

[@jdeze17]

This was a fantastic interview. Very genuine. Thank you guys!!

[@openranks4519]

Legendary interview!!😎

[@jwon414]

this guy was the perfect player to have on your fantasy team back in the day

[@deplorusbrownjr.8387]

AK throwing up the knuckleheads was at the end was the icing on the cake on this bad boy!

[@jaylew0952]

soon as I seen an AK interview I clicked to watch..never knowing or even imagined that he would be this damn cool lol!!! the way he would dip in between humility and talkin his ish with the fellas was top tier!!

[@bagbroch9339]

Forgot what a happy nice guy kirilenko is. What a great episode. Kinda guy that gets you smiling just being around him.

[@GoldNTrak]

AK was excited asl for this, shout out to my mans. Always was an AK fan

[@c7lee]

Dude was a fantasy draft monster. +3 blocks a couple yrs in a row with numbers across the board.

[@duchuyle3258]

I use to have Kirilenko on my fantasy team all the time. He stuffs the stat sheet. Points, rebounds, blocks, and steals

[@15Breal]

Haven’t even listened yet, but y’all are legends for this one!

[@ishetrying]

I knew AK was an excellent player I didn't realize he was such a sweet, friendly person.

[@MalikTurner-mq3hl]

24 is the best show ever !!

[@1solo92]

Honestly i watch a lot of nba podcasts but this one is by far the one i enjoy the most. Always good stories and no gimmicks or people pretending to be something they’re not (cough cough stak5 cough)

[@shaunanderson6169]

Ak.. 💪🏾💪🏾 I loved his opening answer.. He said Stevenson in practice and then as far as game minutes, he detailed others.. 💪🏾💪🏾

[@antoniorojas2849]

I always loved Kirilenko. Such a unique player. Would maybe be a max player in todays nba