To the shock of many around the league, longtime journeyman forward Boris Diaw chose to continue his career outside of the NBA, returning to his native France and signing with Paris-Lavellois on Thursday.
The French international explained his decision over a YouTube video the day after, noting that he had to wait to see if the Utah Jazz would keep him after spending one season with the team and playing the lowest minute average of his 14-year career in the league.
The Jazz chose not to keep him and after talking to one of his countrymen, it opened up the option to play for a EuroLeague contender in Paris-Lavellois.
“I found it very motivating to take part in a project such as this one within a French basketball club,” said Diaw. “This decision wasn't about the money, it was about joining a club that could benefit from my presence, where I could help guide and teach the young players.”
Diaw's presence on the court saw a spike in the playoffs, when the Jazz made use of his deft passing abilities and his high basketball IQ. In a much different big man market, teams in the NBA are now opting to sign younger players to two-way contracts instead of cagey veterans, adapting to a farm system ideology, which has had its effects on many NBA players taking their talent overseas.
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