Andrei Kirilenko's New Role: Coming off the Bench for the Utah Jazz

  Is there any team in the NBA with a player coming off the bench who makes at least $15 million? What kind of bench player makes that kind of money? What team in its right mind would do such a thing? I know what you’re thinking—the Knicks. Well, you’re right. But it looks like the Utah Jazz will follow New York’s unconventional example this season by having its highest-paid player, Andrei Kirilenko, come off the bench. Normally, I’d object to a decision like this. Why have a guy who makes that much sit on the pine rather than contribute on the floor? Make him earn that money! That said, I could not love this decision more—that is, if Sloan decides to pull the trigger on this move, and if AK is truly happy with that role. Most Jazz fans, myself included, have tinkered with the lineup in their heads, trying to figure out the best way to get the most out of this Jazz roster. I never thought of this, though. Coming off the bench in a 93-80 ... (link)