Play it forward
He passes, he dribbles, he shoots the three and dunks while playing, perhaps, the best defense in the NBA. All that anyone could ask for in our current search for our "real" basketball team.
The only problem, for our list anyway, is that he doesn't use many English words, either.
His name is Andrei Kirilenko of the Utah Jazz and many scoffed, including Carmelo Anthony, when the small forward was named to his first all-star squad last year. And all he did was lead his team in scoring, rebounding, steals, blocks, three-pointers made and free throws made.
There is a new statistical category for him called the 5x5 when Kirilenko tallies five or more in five different columns (points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks). Well, he did it twice last year.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider ESPN The Magazine subscribers Need more information?
SPONSORED HEADLINES
MORE NBA HEADLINES
- LeBron rescues Heat with OT winner in Game 1
- Source: Carmelo has small tear in shoulder
- Spurs' Parker getting MRI on ailing left calf
- Jackson: Told by GM of D'Antoni, 'I laughed'
MOST SENT STORIES ON ESPN.COM
- Ford: Mock Draft 3.0
- Doolittle: Best fits for Clips coach?
- Pelton: Champions show balance
- Thorpe: What Z-Bo must change
- Haberstroh: Five adjustments for Grizzlies

