Three years after DeAndre Jordan bailed on the Dallas Mavericks, Jordan will finally now have a chance to play with his childhood idol, Dirk Nowitzki. Jordan spoke on DAC (Dennis & Cowlishaw) on 103.3 FM ESPN about how he once wanted to be like Dirk:

“Dirk was obviously a player that I looked up to. In high school I actually wore No. 41 in honor of Dirk. He was the first player where I was like this guy is seven-feet tall and shooting jump shots and shooting threes, this is what I want to be like. Now being able to have the opportunity to be on the same team with this guy who is a future first-ballot hall of famer. I can’t wait to be a sponge and soak up whatever he teaches me. It’s gonna be great.”

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It’s every young basketball player’s dream to get to play with his basketball hero, and Jordan gets a second chance to play with his as Dirk rides into the sunset at the tail end of his career. Jordan’s ability to play down low and defense will be a good complement to the German’s style and current deficiencies on defense.

Jordan is a completely different player than Dirk, but a legend’s guidance will definitely help him with improving his role to contribute more to the team. Nowitzki’s presence could help integrate their young backcourt with the big man. Heck, maybe Dirk can even give Jordan a few shooting tips, especially at the free-throw line.