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Boris Diaw Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated September 4, 2026 • 6 min read

Quick Info

Date of birth16 April 1982

Age42 Years

BirthplaceCormeilles-en-Parisis, France

ProfessionBasketball player (forward); basketball executive

NationalityFrench

Marital statusUnmarried

FamilyMother: Élisabeth Riffiod; Father: Issa Diaw; Brothers: Paco Diaw, Martin Diaw

Boris Diaw Biography

Boris Diaw is a French former professional basketball player and current basketball executive. Known for his versatility on court and later for leadership役

Early life and background

Boris Babacar Diaw-Riffiod was born on April 16, 1982, in Cormeilles-en-Parisis in the Val-d'Oise department of France. He grew up in a sporting family: his mother, Élisabeth Riffiod, is celebrated in French women's basketball history and his father, Issa Diaw, was a high jumper. Boris attended INSEP in Paris, France’s national institute for sport, where he developed as a young prospect before beginning his professional career.

Career

Diaw began his professional club career in France with Élan Béarnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez in the early 2000s. He entered the NBA when the Atlanta Hawks selected him with the 21st overall pick in the 2003 draft and signed with the team that summer. In 2005 he was traded to the Phoenix Suns, where his adaptability became a hallmark: he played multiple positions across the frontcourt and even handled point guard duties when the team required it. That season of expanded responsibility contributed to his recognition as the NBA’s Most Improved Player in 2006.

After stops that included Charlotte and a return stint to Europe during the 2011 lockout, Diaw joined the San Antonio Spurs. He signed a two-year deal with the Spurs in July 2012 and was part of the Spurs roster that competed in the 2013 NBA Finals. He later re-signed with San Antonio on a three-year contract in 2014 and was a member of the 2014 Spurs team that won the NBA championship.

Diaw’s later NBA years included a trade to the Utah Jazz in 2016; a leg injury that season limited his availability, and he was waived by the Jazz in 2017. He then returned to France for the 2017–18 season, signing with Levallois Metropolitans and competing in both domestic league play and the EuroCup.

Internationally, Diaw was a fixture for the French national program across multiple tournaments. He was part of the French junior team that captured the FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship in 2000 and became captain of the senior national team in 2006. He helped France to podium finishes at EuroBasket and the FIBA World Cup, contributing to EuroBasket titles and a World Cup bronze in 2014.

In club and organizational roles, Diaw moved into basketball management and ownership while still active as a player. He became vice-president and part-owner of JSA Bordeaux in 2009, later serving as the club’s president until 2017. In July 2019 he was appointed president of Metropolitans 92, a leading French club in the LNB Pro A.

Public profile

On court, Diaw earned a reputation for all-around play — passing, scoring, and defending — and for an ability to occupy several roles depending on team needs. His versatility led to the affectionate nickname tied to his broad skill set and jersey number. Off the court he launched an eco-conscious clothing label in 2010 and has been involved in charitable work, founding Babac’Ards to support sports and education projects in Senegal.

Diaw has remained visible in media and public conversation since retiring as a player. He announced his retirement from professional basketball on September 6, 2018. He has spoken publicly about the transition out of basketball, including discussions about travel and discovery helping his post-playing life.

Personal life

Diaw is French and has hobbies that include photography, sailing, skiing, and wine tasting. He has a noted interest in wine and coffee, and he has shared images of his dogs on social media. His family includes two brothers who have played basketball: Paco Diaw and Martin Diaw. Diaw’s close friendships within the sport include a long association with fellow French player Tony Parker.

Latest updates

After concluding his playing career, Diaw continued to build a role in French basketball administration. In 2019 he became president of Metropolitans 92. He remains active publicly through interviews and podcast appearances where he reflects on his career and life after the game.
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Recent Work

President, Metropolitans 92

Appointed president of the LNB Pro A club Metropolitans 92 in July 2019, leading the organization following a long professional playing and executive career.

2019
Player, Levallois Metropolitans

Signed with Levallois Metropolitans for the 2017–18 season, competing in France's LNB Pro A and the EuroCup.

2017
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Career Highlights

  1. NBA Most Improved Player (2006)
  2. NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs (2014)
  3. EuroBasket winner and multiple EuroBasket podiums
  4. FIBA World Cup bronze medal (2014)
  5. All-EuroBasket Team selection (2005)
  6. President and part-owner of JSA Bordeaux; later president of Metropolitans 92
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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Boris Diaw born?

16 April 1982

What is Boris Diaw known for?

Basketball player (forward); basketball executive

What is Boris Diaw’s marital status?

Unmarried