The addition of Andrei Kirilenko gives the Brooklyn Nets one of the best benches in the NBA. (Image from i.cdn.turner.com)
The Brooklyn Nets’ offseason has been highlighted by the blockbuster trade for Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce from the Boston Celtics, but the unheralded acquisition of Andrei Kirilenko could pay huge dividends for the Nets this season.
Brooklyn essentially got Kirilenko on a discount considering what he was making last season with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 32-year-old small forward opted out of his $10 million contract with the T-Wolves to sign a two-year deal that will pay him $3.18 million for the 2013-14 season, according to Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today.
Kirilenko made his claim to fame in the NBA by finishing around the rim and showing the ability to knock down outside shots. He’s also known as one of the better shot blockers at the SF position, especially when chasing down players from behind.
He’s coming off a season in which he averaged 12.4 points per game—his best scoring average since 2005-06—while shooting better than 50 percent from the field.
It’s easy to see why the Nets jumped at the idea of signing the 6’9” small forward.
Of course, Brooklyn does have Pierce, who will likely man the starting spot at the 3, but Kirilenko gives the Nets one of the stronger benches in the league.
Bleacher Report’s Andy Hu had suggested the idea of Kirilenko starting over Pierce, which I couldn’t disagree more with. Pierce is one of the best small forwards in recent memory to play the position and his ability to shoot the 3-ball really helps with floor spacing.
That said, Kirilenko’s role will be to back up Pierce and provide solid scoring off the bench along with Andray Blatche and Jason Terry. The Russian-born forward still has plenty left in the tank and should be an asset for the Nets coming off the bench, and can even move into the starter’s role should Pierce go down with an injury.
Other NBA owners may not be happy with the Nets’ acquisition of Kirilenko, but Brooklyn certainly put itself in great shape with the addition of the 11-year veteran.
You can also find my work over at Bleacher Report and Yahoo! Sports.