Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki, at 39-years-old, has not announced his retirement just yet. In fact, the Mavs great may play more than one season after next year.
He's currently rehabbing a surgically-repaired left ankle, which forced him to miss the last four games of the season. It was his 20th season in the league and he played and started in 77 games. He said that if he wanted to, he could've played all 82 games — which is a slight hint at the level of confidence he has.
As reported by Dwain Price of Mavs.com, Nowitzki said:
“I came through pretty good this year. I could have probably almost played 82 (games) if I wanted to.”
Nowitzki says that he feels good, but realizes that once his ankle has fully recovered, he won't run like he's in his youth again. Despite the realities, the German knows that his body will give away soon. After all, he's been in the league for quite some time now. He has seen players come and go. He is simply doing it for the love of the game.
“I still enjoy it, I still enjoy competing, I enjoy going out there helping the team compete,” Nowitzki said. “If I wouldn’t have fun doing it anymore and competing, then it’s time to go.
“But I still enjoy coming in during the summer doing all the work and staying ready and getting ready for the season, and during the season keeping my body right. I still enjoy the grind, like I said, but it’s definitely coming to an end soon, that’s for sure.”
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