From
Sports-express
Translation by Serge
SE: After that interview
where you said you wanted to leave
Utah, how were you welcomed there?
AK: Absolutely normal. During
one of the first days after my
arrival we had a meeting with GM
Kevin O'Connor and head coach Jerry
Sloan. Each side presented it's
point of view. I explained my
reasons - some of them were
acknowledged by team management,
some not. As the result we came to
agreement to continue our
cooperation. At the same time each
side is trying to make steps toward
others. I was promised that I will
feel more comfortable in the team.
For now the promise is being kept.
SE: Is this noise regarding
Kirilenko probable trade is calmed
down in the USA?
AK: Anyway I work in peace.
And ready for any possible outcome.
SE: But isn't it right that
reporters still attacking you?
AK: I don't comment anything
anymore. Everything was already said
and everything is clear. Now it is
time to concentrate on basketball.
SE: Starting from October 1st
"Utah" moved to Boise, where season
preseason training started. How long
was that training camp?
AK: Five days. Two practices
per day. The only exception was made
for those who played for their NT
last summer - Okur, Williams and me,
and also for Harpring who had knee
surgery. We were practicing once per
day.
SE: If I am not wrong you
have started to work again with
former Utah player Jeff Hornacek as
your personal coach?
AK: I didn't even knew about
it until I saw him in the camp. We
started to work with Hornacek from
the very first day. The same program
as we had before: shots, shots and
shots again.
SE: How much shots do you
take per day?
AK: From 500 to 1000
SE: And what time period does
it take?
AK: About one and half hour
SE: And you say you work in
"light" mode.
AK: (laughing) Nobody counts
shooting practice. And I am not
going to complain. Each practice
with Hornacek give me pleasure.
SE: There was no Utah's top
scorer Carlos Boozer in Boise camp.
Why?
AK: His little boy had
surgery recently. That's why Carlos
has got two additional weeks off.
SE: When your family will
arrive to SLC?
AK: In about 10 days. No
reason to come earlier, since I am
not going to be at home: after
Milwaukee game we going to play a
few games in the East.
SE: So now there is a
quietness in relationships between
you and Utah. Does it mean you stay
in Utah or team management is still
working on a trade?
AK: Honestly? I don't know. I
don't make decisions. The decision
could be made only by one person -
owner of Utah Larry Miller.
SE: But what is your
intuition, isn't it telling
anything?
AK: Yes, telling. Need to
work and play basketball in peace.
SE: One of your main reasons
for leaving Utah was luck of
possibilities to progress as a
player.
AK: I really think so. But if
the attitude toward me will change I
don't mind (to stay). The main thing
that it all wouldn't stay on the
level of just words. For now I am
satisfied with everything.
SE: Will preseason games be
some kind of indicating in that
matter? Or it all be seen only when
regular season starts?
AK: Why not? In the following
days everybody will see everything.
SE: Can the attitude toward
you in the club be changed with the
gained titles of European champion
and MVP?
AK: No. For Americans those titles mean not important. From the
other side there are no fools in the
team management. I am sure the club
will try to solve the problem.
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