Positional Power Rankings: 30 best power forwards in the NBA
By John Buhler
Boris Diaw
Power Forward, Utah Jazz
He may be getting up their in age, but Utah Jazz power forward Boris Diaw continues to be an important player for a playoff team. Diaw began his career in Atlanta, but had his best years in San Antonio playing in Gregg Popovich’s system.
He opted to come to Salt Lake City to play for Quin Snyder’s Jazz team in free agency this past summer. His veteran leadership in the frontcourt has helped put the Jazz in position to not only qualify for the Western Conference Playoffs, but to get home-court advantage in the first round as the presumptive winner of the Northwest Division.
Expect Diaw to play meaningful minutes at the four for the Jazz in the first round and possibly the Western Conference Semifinals should they get that far. Diaw can spot-start for the Jazz down low if need be, but will almost certainly come off Snyder’s bench as a key rotational piece.
He’s not a great shooter, but is a good glue guy down low for the Jazz defense. Frankly, that’s okay, as Utah will go as far as its defense will take it. Maybe Diaw’s ample playoff experience with the Suns and Spurs will pay dividends for this ultra-youthful Jazz team? Diaw isn’t a game changer, but will provide quality minutes off the Jazz bench.