Andrei Kirilenko: As a free agent I will be able to play in Europe or anywhere else

Utah Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko has revealed that he does not rule out the possibility to play in Europe if NBA summer lockout lasts for too long.

Speaking about Utah’s performances this season, Kirilenko has pointed out that with Jerry Sloan and Deron Williams the Jazz could have reached the play-off stage: «I would divide our season in two parts: before the home game against Chicago Bulls and after that. The beginning of the season was marvellous, but as it was coming towards the end our results gradually worsened. Then Jerry Sloan left the team, and it all ended up with Deron Williams being exchanged. You can’t recoup losses like these. So our disastrous end of the season was naturally determined,» Kirilenko told to Sport-Express.

«It’s always disappointing when you fail to reach the play-offs, but in addition to that our last 20 games were really awful. However, the team started to find its own game – we beat Lakers, New Orleans, Denver. But still it isn’t what we expected, Jazz can play much better.»

Kirilenko has also assumed he would play in Europe in case the lockout postpones the beginning of the NBA season: «In the summer I will become a free agent, but to all appearances there will be a lockout in the NBA since June 1, when the previous collective bargaining agreement expires. I don’t think it would last long – one or two months at most. And I’m almost sure the season will begin in time. But who knows...»

«In any case, as a free agent I will be able to play anywhere. In Europe, for example – and if the NBA tournament does not begin, I would return to America in a year. But there is a wide variety of possible scenarios – this is only one of them».