Boris Diaw
French basketball executive and former NBA Most Improved Player and champion.
Boris Babacar Diaw-Riffiod (born 16 April 1982), better known as Boris Diaw, is a French basketball executive and former player who is the president of Metropolitans 92 of LNB Pro A. Diaw began his playing career in Pro A and returned to that league after 14 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He primarily played the power forward position. In 2006, Diaw was named the NBA's Most Improved Player as a member of the Phoenix Suns. He won an NBA championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014.
- Role
- Starting Power Forward / Center
- Nationality
- French
- Team Affiliation
- Charlotte Bobcats (NBA)
- Era
- 2008–2012
- Status
- Retired
- Key Strength
- Playmaking and Versatility
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Diaw was a member and captain of the senior French national team. He won a EuroBasket title in 2013, a silver medal in EuroBasket 2011, and two bronze in EuroBasket 2005 and EuroBasket 2015. He earned an All-EuroBasket Team selection in 2005. Diaw has served as president of Metropolitans 92 from July 2019 to April 2020.
In Their Own Story
The atmosphere in Charlotte shifted whenever Diaw controlled the ball near the high post. Unlike traditional power forwards who sought immediate buckets, Diaw operated with a quarterback's vision. He would scan the floor, identify the weak-side cutter, and deliver a pass that turned a stagnant possession into an easy score. This style was a hallmark of his time in Charlotte, where he facilitated offense rather than dominating it. When the 2011 lockout halted NBA play, Diaw didn't sit idle; he took his talents to JSA Bordeaux in France, keeping his skills sharp until December 2011 when he rejoined the Bobcats. Even after being waived on March 21, 2012, two days later he signed with the San Antonio Spurs, proving that his value extended far beyond Charlotte. His ability to adapt to any position and lead by example made him a stabilizing presence during a turbulent chapter in franchise history.
Reader's Guide
Diaw played for Pau-Orthez (2001–2003), Atlanta Hawks (2003–2005), Phoenix Suns (2005–2008), Charlotte Bobcats (2008–2012), San Antonio Spurs (2012–2016), Utah Jazz (2016–2017), and Levallois Metropolitans (2017–2018). He was traded to the Bobcats on December 10, 2008, and waived on March 21, 2012. He signed with the Spurs two days later. He won the NBA championship in 2014. He announced his retirement on September 6, 2018.
Did You Know?
- Diaw earned the nickname '3D' because of his multidimensional play (his motto being 'drive, dish, defend') and the combination of his number (3) and surname.
- Diaw played for the Charlotte Bobcats from December 10, 2008, until he was waived on March 16, 2012, covering parts of 4 NBA seasons.
- In the 2014 NBA Finals, Diaw led all players in total assists (29) and was second in total rebounds (43).
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