Former Utah Jazz big man Boris Diaw has received an award from the Hall of Fame. Also — Jazz star Donovan Mitchell has another chance at some hardware.
The most interesting man in the basketball world is at it again.
One-time Utah Jazz big man Boris Diaw was already the sport’s answer to James Bond. After all, he’s a world traveler, a filmmaker, a wine and coffee connoisseur and, recently, he became a member of the French Navy.
🇫🇷⚓🏀Le capitaine de Vaisseau Boris Diaw à l'oeuvre dans la Rade de #Toulon lors d'un exercice d'interception maritime.
— BFM Toulon Var (@BFMVar) June 12, 2018
📺 Reportage complet avec la remise de béret au capitaine de l'équipe de France de basket ce soir au journal. @theborisdiaw @MarineNationale @Premarmed pic.twitter.com/LVifwc3PWy
Now, you can add Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame honoree to that list.
This week, at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Diaw was announced as a recipient of the hoop hall’s 2018 Mannie Jackson Award. Established in 2007, the award recognizes players’ humanitarian efforts away from the hardwood.
Per the HOF president John L. Doleva, the Mannie Jackson is “an esteemed honor awarded only to those with the highest level of dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of others.”
Dallas Mavericks guard J.J. Barea and WNBA star Tina Charles will also receive the award.
The former Jazzman’s humanitarian efforts include founding a SEED Academy for girls in Senegal, where his foundation also supports an orphanage and a hospital, funding a game room and camps for children fighting cancer.
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Diaw and the other honorees will officially be recognized during Enshrinement Weekend in September.
A veteran of 14 NBA seasons, Diaw last played for the Jazz during the 2016-17 campaign. In 73 games (33 starts), he averaged just under five points per contest.
Vote for Donovan
Jazz star Donovan Mitchell may not have captured Rookie of the Year honors from the league, but he did win the NBPA’s award and there may be some more hardware coming. All he has to do is beat Ben Simmons.
Mitchell is one of four finalists for the ESPYS award for Best Breakthrough Athlete. The other nominees are Simmons, Alvin Kamara of the New Orleans Saints and tennis star Sloane Stephens.
Fans can vote for Donovan HERE.
The 2018 ESPYS will air next week — July 18 at 6 PM MT — on ESPN.