One-time NBA champion Boris Diaw is finally calling it quits. The 36-year-old Frenchman is retiring from basketball after a fruitful 14-year career in the NBA, plus three other years overseas and an overall prolific career in international competition.
Diaw, a French national team staple, announced his retirement through a video he recorded with fellow Frenchmen Tony Parker and Ronny Turiaf.
Via Eurohoops.net:
Speaking about his personal achievements, Diaw explained why the number of games played with the French national team is one of the most important: “I have tied my mother in games played with the national team (247). I always said that this was impossible. It’s a great pride. I didn’t want to have more. Out of respect for all she did for me, I preferred to stop.”
Diaw began his career in Europe and was then drafted in the first round of the 2003 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks. He also spent time with the Phoenix Suns, Charlotte Bobcats, San Antonio Spurs, and Utah Jazz.
After playing with the Jazz during the 2016-17 season, the do-it-all power forward decided to move to France and play for Levallois Metropolitans. But with the World Cup qualifiers slated for this September, Diaw did not receive a call-up to the national team for the first time since playing with the French junior national team in 2000.
It was the first sign that he was on the verge of leaving the sport. As a member of the French national team Diaw won a FIBA World Cup bronze medal in 2014, a EuroBasket title in 2013, a silver medal in EuroBasket 2011, and two bronze medals in EuroBasket 2005 and EuroBasket 2015. He earned an All-EuroBasket Team selection in 2005.
The 6-foot-8 burly forward helped the Spurs capture the franchise's fifth championship when they beat LeBron James and the Miami Heat in 2014. Arguably one of the most intelligent playmaking power forwards the league has seen, Diaw ends his NBA career with averages of 8.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists.
Follow Us
Subscribe