At the NBA Africa Games tour, Dirk Nowitzki and Kristaps Porzingis spent time together and developed a relationship. When Nowitzki was selected by the Dallas Mavericks (via Milwaukee Bucks) in the 1998 NBA Draft, he was one of the few international players to make the jump and paved the way for future generations.
17 years later, Porzingis was selected by the New York Knicks and instantly drew comparisons to Nowitzki. When asked about New York's rising star, the 13-time All-Star had the following to say according to William Lou of The Score:
“He's a little longer, a better defender, and a little more mobile than I ever was, a little more athletic,” Nowitzki said. “The shooting stroke he's got, he shoots it easy from deep, he shoots it well off the bounce, he can move, he can drive. …
“He's the whole package.”
As for Porzingis, he hopes to have a future Hall of Fame career like the 39-year-old:
“I'm happy to see him still playing in the league and still scoring the ball and still doing his thing. I wish I could have a career like that.”
At this stage of his career, Nowitzki is mentoring young players and recently signed a two-year, $10 million deal. After defeating the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals, the Mavericks have not been competitive since.
For Porzingis, he has faced some adversity in his young career from being booed on draft night to being mentioned in trade rumors this offseason. Along with receiving advice from Nowitzki, Porzingis recently discussed adopting Conor McGregor's mentality.
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