Despite being a skilled ballplayer, Boris Diaw has a reputation for something else: frequently being overweight. The Spurs recognize that, so they have tried to give Diaw incentive to stay within a certain weight range.
According to Amin Elhassan of ESPN Insider, Diaw can earn $500,000 in bonuses if he makes weight at three points during the year:
– $150,000 for weighing less than or equal to 254 pounds on Oct. 25
– $150,000 for weighing less than or equal to 254 pounds on the first Tuesday after the All-Star Game
– $200,000 for weighing less than or equal to 254 pounds on April 1
These dates were carefully selected to ensure Diaw’s weight is reasonable on opening night, just after the All-Star break, and right before the playoff push begins.
The weight clause is nothing new between Diaw and the Spurs; San Antonio Express-News reporter Jeff McDonald says it existed in the Diaw’s last contract with the team. What’s new is that we’re learning about it.
Of course the best part of the whole thing is coach Gregg Popovich turning it into a joke. At the Spurs’ media day, Pop cracked one on Diaw:
Pop on Boris Diaw: "Boris is having pina coladas. We have a pool where you guess his weight. You have to start at 275."
— Chris Mannix (@ChrisMannixSI) September 26, 2014
This is how Diaw responded:
“No worries pop only one glass of wine and daily workouts!”
Gotta love the Spurs.
Chest bump to Ball Don’t Lie
Photo at the top via Diaw’s Instagram, shows he was in shape as of Sept. 28
