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Utah Jazz: Boris Diaw retires from the game of basketball

By Josh Padmore

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 28: Boris Diaw #33 of the Utah Jazz looks on in the first half against the Los Angeles Clippers in Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 28, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 28: Boris Diaw #33 of the Utah Jazz looks on in the first half against the Los Angeles Clippers in Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 28, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images) /
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Former Utah Jazz big man Boris Diaw officially announced his retirement from the game of basketball today.

Boris Diaw meant more to the Utah Jazz than what his 4.6 points per game average showed. Diaw was one of the truly unique basketball players the NBA has ever seen. Jazz fans should be thankful the Frenchman suited up for the franchise, and helped them make a great run in 2017. The Jazz are the last NBA team that Diaw played for.

On Thursday, Diaw announced his retirement in typical Boris Diaw fashion. On his boat, hanging with his buddies Tony Parker and Ronny Turiaf. Enjoying life.

The only thing missing was a cup of espresso in his hands. It’s been well documented that Diaw used to have a portable espresso machine in his locker.

The 36-year-old played in 1,064 career regular season NBA games, and also played in 119 playoff games. He won an NBA Championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014. Diaw played for five different NBA teams in total: the Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Bobcats, Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs and the Utah Jazz. He finished his professional career where it all started: Pro A, the top-tier basketball league in France.

MIAMI, FL – JUNE 12: Boris Diaw #33 of the San Antonio Spurs drives to the basket against Rashard Lewis #9 of the Miami Heat during Game Four of the 2014 NBA Finals at American Airlines Arena on June 12, 2014 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – JUNE 12: Boris Diaw #33 of the San Antonio Spurs drives to the basket against Rashard Lewis #9 of the Miami Heat during Game Four of the 2014 NBA Finals at American Airlines Arena on June 12, 2014 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images) /

Diaw entered the Association as a guard, which is part of why he’s one of the best passing big men that the game has ever seen. With his guard skills and big body, Diaw became a really versatile power forward. He’ll finish with career averages of 8.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.

He wasn’t a Hall of Fame-caliber player, or even an All-Star type, but Diaw will truly be missed. To go along with his unique game on the court, Diaw remains one of the more unique personalities in all of sports. He’s traveled across the world, been a filmmaker and even became a member of the French Navy. Many NBA players, coaches and staff will tell you that Diaw is the nicest guy in the world.

Salute, Boris, on a great 14-year NBA career.

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