But that’s the fluctuating ?career of an often misunderstood player. Considered a first-round bust in Atlanta, (Boris) Diaw went to Phoenix to become the league’s most improved player. The Suns overpaid him, thinking he was on the cusp of greatness, only to be disappointed when he continued to defer.

This season, he returned to bust status. Charlotte, the NBA’s worst team, bought him out.

Along the way, his reputation never changed. Doug Collins, the Philadelphia coach, summed up all of that in one paragraph Sunday night.

“Boris Diaw is a very, very, very skilled player,” Collins said. “The big thing about him is being in shape. When he’s in shape, he’s a damn good player.”

Those close to him say Diaw wasn’t in shape last year. This season, he is back to what he should be — a big body capable of playing in the post. His start with the Spurs suggests as much.

He debuted with three games in three nights, after all, and it’s likely no one in franchise history has done that. Diaw managed to survive.

His minutes weren’t high, but the Spurs don’t need that from him this season. They always knew they were short one big man, and Diaw is now the fifth. All he has to do is fill in, which is precisely what he’s made for.

Diaw also fits with those around him. This is an odd Spurs team, where the tallest are arguably the team’s best passers.

via Buck Harvey of the San Antonio Express-News