FRA - Diaw quickly on his feet with Spurs

SAN ANTONIO (NBA/Olympics) - Boris Diaw's time in the NBA unemployment line proved to be very short.

The Frenchman, who parted with the Charlotte Bobcats last week, has joined compatriot Tony Parker in San Antonio and already has a few games under his belt with his new team.

San Antonio is going to provide a new challenge for another Olympian as well.

The team has signed Australia's former Portland Trail Blazer Pat Mills, who played in China during the NBA Lockout.

The Boomers point guard hasn't been able to join the Spurs yet, though, because he is waiting for his American visa.

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich likes what Diaw, a 29-year-old forward, brings to the side.

"He's an all-around player," Popovich said.

"There aren't too many people who are all-around players."

Diaw helped France reach last year's EuroBasket Final to qualify for the London Games and returned to Charlotte looking to have a big season before making his Olympic bow.

He fell out of favor with Bobcats coach Paul Silas, who wanted Diaw to be more of a scorer, and was eager for a change.

Upon his arrival in San Antonio, Diaw said: "I'm trying to be a facilitator.

"It's what I've done pretty much my whole career. I try to be unselfish and fit in on the team. I'm trying to help this team as much as possible. "

As for Mills, the coach of one of San Antonio's rivals, Dallas Mavericks boss Rick Carlisle, says he is going to be an asset for the Spurs.

"Patty Mills is a very good shooter," he said.

"With the way that they play, he fits into their scheme where he can step in and make shots."


FIBA