One of the most underrated aspects of the San Antonio Spurs’ 2014 championship run was the influential play of big man Boris Diaw, who would’ve won the Finals MVP had Kawhi Leonard not come alive while matched up against LeBron James. Diaw did exactly what was asked of him: Rebounding, defending, spacing the floor and operating within the flow of the ‘Beautiful Basketball’ offense.
Diaw was the glue that held the team together and San Antonio has grasped for a player like that ever since his departure. By a twist of fate triggered by the dramatic change of heart by Marcus Morris, the Spurs landed fifth-year forward Trey Lyles on a two-year deal to fill the final roster spot.