For 90 days get to know more about the international faces of the NBA. Day 25 brings…
Boris Diaw (PF, San Antonio Spurs), France
Height: 2.03 m, 6-foot-8 | Weight: 113.3 kg, 250 pounds | Born: 16 April 1982
"Drive, dish, defend." Boris Diaw does it all, and he does it unselfishly.
The Atlanta Hawks drafted Boris Diaw with the 21st overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft. Diaw – who immediately set himself apart as a team player, preferring passing over stardom – didn't fit into the Hawks' system. In 2005, they traded him to Phoenix, and that's when the NBA started to pay attention to the French, multitalented player.
Diaw blossomed with the Suns, playing the game his way– with everyone touching the ball. He also got a chance to show off his high basketball IQ, prioritizing great shots over good shots.
During 2005-06, he averaged 13.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 6.0 assists (19th in the league) in 35 minutes. He joined LeBron James and Jason Kidd as the only players to average at least six rebounds and six assists and became the fourth NBA player (Kidd, James, Wade) to record multiple triple-doubles that season.
The result: He won 2006 Most Improved Player by a landslide. And in typical Diaw fashion, upon receiving the award he said, "It's a team sport, not an individual sport…the principal goal is to get better to be able to help your team."
In 2008, Diaw went to Charlotte, where he became a franchise leader in minutes played (10th), turnovers (10th), assists per game (10th), effective field goal percentage (4th) and assists percentage (10th). But the Bobcats and Diaw weren't a match, and in 2012, they waived him.
The Gregg Popovich system – which was beautifully executed this past season – involves rhythmic, selfless ball movement. So unsurprisingly, Boris Diaw fit right in.
A key figure in the NBA Finals, Diaw led the series in assists (29) and grabbed 43 rebounds (just 7 shy of Tim Duncan's 50). His slick interior passing and skill for finding the best open shots stunned the Heat. He rallied when his team needed him, which led to winning his first NBA Championship.
The Spurs re-signed Diaw for the upcoming season. And with a team who shares his values of 'the team above all,' he's sure to thrive once again.
Key Stats
2013-14: PTS: 9.1 | REB: 4.1 | AST: 2.8 | FG%: 52.1
2014 Playoffs: PTS: 9.2 | REB: 4.8 | AST: 3.4 | FG%: 50.1
Season Highlight: Diaw posted three double-doubles during the 2013-14 season. He hit 22 points and 11 rebounds against Houston on 28 January, 14 points and 10 rebounds against Dallas on 2 March. During the Western Conference Playoffs, he scored 14 points and 10 rebounds against Oklahoma City on 27 May. He also led the Spurs in minutes during the Finals, after his best season since 2010-11.
Achievements/Awards
*2014 NBA Champion
*2013 Gold medal at FIBA EuroBasket
*2006 NBA Most Improve Player
*2003 French League French Player's MVP
*2002 French League Rising Star
5 Things To Know
1. His father, Issa Diaw, is a lawyer in Dakar, Senegal, and his mother, Elisabeth Riffiod, played 13 years and 247 international matches for the French National Team. According to the Suproleague Yearbook, a basketball publication in France, she's considered to be the best center in French women's basketball history, while his father is a former Senegalese high jump champion. (per Spurs.com)
2. His has several nicknames, "Bobo," "3D," "French Magician."
3. Diaw and Tony Parker have been best friends since they were boys. (per Grandland)
4. He established a non-profit foundation, Babac'Ards, to organize sports activities for Senegalese youth. (per Spurs.com)
5. Growing up, he idolized Magic Johnson. (per Grantland)
Check out Diaw's photos and video in the LEAGUE section of NBA Game Time.
Previous: Luol Deng (Miami Heat, Great Britain/South Sudan) | Next Up: Gorgui Dieng (Minnesota Timberwolves, Senegal)
