Tony Parker cracks wise about Boris Diaw's weight

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is one of the most ardent subscribers to the importance of rest, and he's repeatedly given his veterans time off this year.

However, rather curiously, Popovich has played the 33-year-old Boris Diaw in every one of his team's 32 games this year after having him appear in 81 games last season.

Why is Popovich hesitant to rest Bobo? His childhood buddy Tony Parker has the answer.

''I think it's because Pop wants him to lose weight,'' Parker said about his friend and fellow Frenchman. ''But I have to give credit to Bobo though he's been playing very well and been taking care of his body. He's looking good and he played great tonight.''

Diaw, who reportedly has a weight clause in his contract (worth half a million if he can keep his weight down), is repeatedly picked on for his heft. Last season, Manu Ginobili took shots at his wine-loving friend.

And given his history in Charlotte, well, Ginobili and Parker are rightfully keeping tabs on the somewhat mercurial forward.

Diaw, a good sport, saw his lack of rest differently.

''Why would I? I'm so young,'' he said. ''I'm same age as Tony, but I don't age as much as much as they do. I stay young.''