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The financial status of retired professional athletes has always been a subject of interest and intrigue. Andrei Kirilenko, a retired Russian basketball player, is no exception to this rule. In this blog, Wcnetworth will discuss Andrei Kirilenko net worth, early life, and much more.
What is Andrei Kirilenko Net Worth and Salary 2023
Andrei Kirilenko is a Russian-American professional basketball executive and former player who has a net worth of $50 million. During his time as a player, Kirilenko used to be member of the NBA, such as the Utah Jazz, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Brooklyn Nets.
He earned a lot of money from his basketball contracts, with his salary alone amounting to over $106 million. Besides playing in the NBA, Kirilenko also played professionally in other countries. Currently, he is serving as the person in charge of the Russian Basketball Federation.
Andrei Kirilenko Overview
Early life
Kirilenko was born on February 18, 1981, in Izhevsk, Russia. He has had an amazing career in professional basketball and has received many awards and honors. These achievements have not only made him highly regarded but have also significantly increased his net worth.
Andrei Kirilenko, who is 6’9″ tall, is a famous basketball player nicknamed AK-47 because of his initials and jersey number. He is well-known and respected in the basketball community.
Kirilenko’s passion for basketball became apparent at a young age. He began playing competitively when he was only fifteen years old, and this decision quickly proved to be worthwhile.
He was selected to join the Russian Basketball Super League, and his skills on the court caught the attention of both scouts and fans. This marked the beginning of his remarkable journey towards becoming one of the most renowned figures in international basketball.
Career
Andrei Kirilenko played for CSKA Moscow for three years, from 1998 to 2001. During his stay there, he accomplished the rare achievement of being named Russian League MVP in the 2000 season.
Kirilenko then began a new chapter in his career by joining the NBA’s Utah Jazz in 2001.
He was picked by the Jazz as the 24th overall choice in the first round of the 1999 draft, making him the first Russian player to be taken in the first round and the youngest European player drafted.
Kirilenko’s outstanding performance in his first season earned him a spot on the NBA All-first First Team. He established himself as a formidable defensive force, earning NBA All-Defensive Team accolades three times.
In 2004, he achieved yet another milestone by being named to the All-Star game. During the 2011 NBA lockout, Kirilenko returned to CSKA Moscow and led the club to the 2012 EuroLeague Final, where they performed magnificently.
In appreciation of his exceptional performances, he was named Most Valuable Player and was named to the All-EuroLeague First Team. In addition, Kirilenko received the EuroLeague Best Defender award for his outstanding defensive abilities.
Since the 2000 Summer Olympics, Kirilenko has proudly represented the Russian national team. His persistence and abilities resulted in a historic triumph in 2007 when he played a critical part in earning the EuroBasket title and was named MVP.
In international events, he continued to shine, winning a bronze medal in the 2011 EuroBasket.
Kirilenko’s outstanding accomplishments were recognized, as he was awarded FIBA Europe Men’s Player of the Year twice and got the coveted Euroscar Player of the Year title in 2012.
Personal life
Kirilenko tied the knot with Russian pop singer Masha Marina Lopatova, who goes by the stage name MaLo. Lopatova happens to be the daughter of Russian basketball player Andrey Lopatov. Their paths crossed at a youth basketball camp in Moscow, where Kirilenko first met Lopatova.
Additionally, Kirilenko made an appearance in one of Lopatova’s music videos. In January 2011, Kirilenko and his wife obtained American citizenship. Together, they are blessed with three sons named Fedor, Stepan, and Andrey, as well as a daughter named Alexandra.
Why is Andrei Kirilenko famous?
Andrei Kirilenko’s fame can be attributed to his impressive professional basketball career. His unique playing style, defensive skills, and contributions to his teams have made him a beloved figure among basketball fans.
Furthermore, his post-retirement activities, including his stint as the president of the Russian Basketball Federation and his various business investments, have kept him in the public eye.
FAQs about Andrei Kirilenko
How tall was Andrei Kirilenko?
His tall is 2.06m
Why did Andrei Kirilenko choose 47?
The AK-47 is one of the most popular rifles in the world still, and given its Russian origin, it only makes sense to bestow that nickname upon a Russian player. Andrei Kirilenko has AK as his initials and fittingly wore the number 47, so this was really a freebie.
When did Andrei Kirilenko leave Jazz?
With the 2010-2011 NBA season coming to a finish for the Utah Jazz, it’s possible that Andrei Kirilenko has played his final game for the franchise.
Did Andrei Kirilenko represent Russia in international competitions?
Yes, Andrei Kirilenko represented Russia in various international competitions, including the Olympic Games. He won a bronze medal with the Russian national team at the 2012 London Olympics and also participated in other tournaments, such as the FIBA World Championships and the EuroBasket.
Conclusion
Andrei Kirilenko’s net worth in 2023 is reflective of his successful career both on and off the basketball court. His passion for the game, combined with his business acumen, has led to a prosperous life post-retirement. Despite his wealth, Kirilenko remains a grounded figure, focused on his family and his contributions to the sport of basketball. His career serves as an inspiring testament to the potential rewards of hard work, dedication, and a love for the game. Thank you for reading!
