Andrei Kirilenko still has what it takes to play in the NBA despite spending last season in Europe, the ex-Utah Jazz forward told RIA Novosti in a recent interview.
Kirilenko, 31, returned to his native Russia with CSKA Moscow during last season’s lockout and stayed until the end of the season but has announced his intention to return to the NBA for next season.
“I’ve still got the strength to play at the very highest level,” he said Wednesday.
“I think it’s right to return to America from a sporting perspective.”
After taking Europe by storm last year with CSKA and being named Euroleague MVP, Kirilenko is returning to his rightful place, he suggested.
“I should play in the best league,” he said.
Kirilenko, 31, has been heavily linked with the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Brooklyn Nets, owned by Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov.
At the age of 16, he became the youngest player in Russian Super League history when he debuted for Spartak St. Petersburg in 1997, before moving to CSKA in 1998.
Kirilenko spent 10 seasons with the Jazz from 2001 to 2011, becoming an NBA All-Star in 2004.
He is under contract with CSKA till October 2014.
On Russia's roster since 2000, Kirilenko won the 2007 Eurobasket with his country and was the part of the team that finished third at the 2011 tournament.
