Oliver Miller vs. Boris Diaw By Jason Kelly
12.19.2007 - Updated on 12.19.2007
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“Too soon?” I’m reminded of Grandpa Simpson watching a blimp crash at the baseball game and screaming, “Too soon! Too soon!” Maybe, who knows? Boris Diaw’s recent re-emergence versus San Antonio was heartening to most Suns fans, but the last season and a quarter has made it look like Phoenix got the worse of that Atlanta deal (unless this year’s pick is lottery-grade). He reminds me of a “key” component of the Suns’ 1992-1993 runner-up team (yes, runner-up is the best we’ve ever had) – Oliver Miller.
On-Court Similarities:
Both are play-making big men with a penchant for flashes of brilliance coupled with extended periods of mediocrity, passivity and indecision. Exceedingly frustrating for fans and unbearably hilarious for opposing fans, this combination produces results akin to the crazy old gold-miner still trying to strike the mother lode. Apparently, Miller did not even have enough work ethic to stay sharp against the Washington Generals.
Differences:
Body fat percentage. Boris’ is much higher. Well, was much higher. We’ll get to the pictures in a bit.
At the beginning of last year, Coach D commented that Boris somehow managed to pick up every croissant he came across. Oliver (Cotton Fitzsimmons used to say, “Sometimes Olava is gonna be Olava.”) has also had his struggles with the Calorie Cap.
Off-Court Similarities:
Now that HoopsVibe is hitting the gossip column harder, I’m required to point out that both these guys love the ladies. Oliver had his little run-in, and Boris is all the rage at Dirty Scottsdale.
Oh, yes, the pictures I promised. I guess I’d take my shirt off, too, if I could get under the calorie cap. He likes them young. He likes them glamorous. He likes them … all.
Final Analysis:
Diaw, like Miller, is an “x-factor” for the Suns. When he’s on (as rarely as that may be) and complementing the Suns’ top players, the Suns are hard to beat. Miller was the same way. However, to count on either one is a mistake. Too bad the Suns’ seventh-best player (maybe eighth) makes $9 million a year.
