AK-47 Faceplants, Breaks Nose In Euroleague Game (Video)

After playing his entire 10 year NBA career in Utah, one of the league’s most feared defenders has returned to Russia, possibly for good, to play for CSKA Moscow in the Russian Pro League and Euroleague action during the work stoppage.

Once known as a lock-down defender, AK-47‘s production has slid in recent years after an All Star selection in 2004 and two straight All Defensive Team nods in ‘04 and ‘05. Many point to the team’s shift in focus offensively in recent years to former stars Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer and away from Kirilenko for the lack of production.

With the Jazz now going towards a youth movement in selecting Enes Kanter and Alec Burks in the Draft, in addition to incumbent starters Al Jefferson, Paul Milsap, and Devin Harris, many feel that Kirilenko has played his last game as a member of the Utah Jazz. Who could blame them after the drop in production and AK’s missing 130 games over the past 7 seasons due to injuries?

In addition to getting that new outrageous pterodactyl themed tattoo following last season, Kirilenko has once again returned to his roots in Russia, starring for his old team CSKA Moscow, twice earning weekly MVP honors, and ranking among the leaders in rebounds, blocks, steals, and performance rating in Eurolegue action.

But he could miss some significant time in the Euroleague after a freak tripping accident, causing the star player to hit the hardwood face-first, requiring multiple stitches and suffering a broken nose. Contrary to initial reports, Kirilenko did not sustain a concussion after falling while attempting to steal the ball from an opposing player. No word on how long AK will be out of action for his undefeated(5-0) Russian team.

Check out AK-47’s faceplant: