4 French players Wembanyama should emulate in the NBA

2.) Boris Diaw

Boris Diaw may not have been as athletic or physically imposing as Gobert, but there is no doubt he knew how to show up in monumental moments and play the game the right way. He was an invaluable asset to his teammates, which helped him achieve the ultimate goal: an NBA Championship.

The Hawks selected Diaw with the 21st overall pick in the 2003 Draft, but he never quite worked out in Atlanta. While he won Most Improved Player of the Year with the Suns in 2006, the best version of Boris arrived after landing in San Antonio during the 2012 season.

He was one of the main sidekicks for Tony Parker on the French national team, winning four medals in EuroBasket competition and a bronze medal at the 2014 World Cup. Diaw displayed a much more refined game under the command of Pop as he maximized his playmaking and defensive versatility.

Boris Diaw understood the basics of “The Beautiful Game” and became one of the most crucial pieces to a Spurs team that won a title in 2014. He was unselfish and accepted his role as a connector, which was one of the reasons San Antonio had such immaculate ball movement.

Now it is time for Wembanyama to learn how to sacrifice personal goals for team glory and use all his skills to benefit his teammates and highlight their abilities.