A.K. is a C.J. Fan

Maybe it speaks to maturity.

Or maybe he has no other real choice.

Either way, Andrei Kirilenko is behaving graciously about C.J. Miles replacing him in the lineup.

Kirilenko, who is out with an injured calf muscle, was asked about Miles’ play at practice on Monday.

“He’s great. I’ve been talking to C.J., as well,” said Kirilenko. “Not only his (outside) shots goes in but he goes in and mixes his game, he’s just awesome. And you’ve seen yesterday, layups and jump shots and 3s. Layups and jump shot and 3.

“You know, when he mixes his game, it’s very hard for defensive player to play it. When you’re only shooting the 3, (defensive) guy’s just playing with you…but (Miles) would mix it and is playing on a great level now.”

The irony in all this is that Kirilenko was the player who in 2007 cried because during the playoffs because he was confused at his role. Now he seems to have no such concerns — even though his replacement is playing well. Kirilenko deserves credit for not wishing Miles to fail. A.K. is looking forward to returning, he says, for a Game 6 or 7 if the series goes that far.