Strengths: Versatile forward plays with rare intensity and drive…Though his defensive numbers have fallen off a cliff, he's still one of the better weak-side defenders in the league…Still a superior athlete despite the injuries he's suffered. Very physically gifted overall, great length and speed in the open court…Superior passing ability and unselfishness have always made him a great fit in Sloan's system…Very efficient, 47.1% from the field, 76.3% from the line…Nice form on his shot…Intuitive around the rim, good at catching loose balls and putting back offensive rebounds before the defense recovers…Plays with uncommon aggressiveness on both sides of the ball…Great reflexes…While he won't take his defender from the three-point line to the basket for a highlight reel dunk, he's a good ball-handler and at 29, still has some explosiveness…Great at creating for others…Jazz were much better with him in the starting lineup last year.

Weaknesses: It is hard to think of a player that has regressed more in the last five years than AK47. Went from averaging 15.3 points, 3.3 blocks and 8 rebounds in 2005-06 to averaging 8.3 points, 2.1 blocks and 4.7 rebounds the next year, and his numbers have hovered around there ever since (although towards the end of the season in 2010 game and confidence improved some)…Gets little lift on his shot, and has become a liability as a shooter…His once-elite defensive instincts seem to have been dimmed by various injuries…Terrible three-point shooter…Due to his poor shooting and lack of post moves he's not what you'd call a weapon on offense…Continues to struggle with injuries, missing at least 15 games in each of the past two seasons.

Sam Littman 7/10/10