Few athletes matter as much to one team as Dirk Nowitzki does to the Dallas Mavericks. The German-born power forward poured his heart out for the team and led the Mavs to their first-ever (and currently only) championship. Dallas will immortalize him tonight by retiring his jersey number, 41.
Nowitzki got emotional when discussing his relationship with Mavs fans.
"That's special." – Dirk on his relationship with Mavericks fans
Don't miss Dirk Nowitzki's Jersey Retirement Ceremony Wednesday night following the @dallasmavs home game. #41Forever pic.twitter.com/LuAESJNvsT
— NBA (@NBA) January 4, 2022
Nowitzki stuck with the Mavericks for all 21 years of his professional career, racking up 14 All-Star game nominations, 12 All-NBA Team selections, a Finals MVP award and an MVP award on top of the 2011 championship. He is still a very big part of the franchise despite retiring three years ago.
Since retirement, Nowitzki has appeared on the broadcast for Mavs games several times and always talks glowingly about franchise star Luka Doncic, with who he spent his last year playing. Dallas swung a trade for Kristaps Porzingis that season, adding another young player who Nowitzki has mentored in the past.
Although the Mavericks have been a bit shaky this season, Nowitzki has full confidence in Doncic, Porzingis and the team. With a record of 19-18, the Mavs have done pretty decently for a team with a new head coach that has health with a ton of absences from key players. As the trade deadline approaches, they may have to swing a trade or two to finally make it past the first round.
Nowitzki may not be a huge part of the Mavericks on the court anymore. But it's tough to see any player being as idolized as he is off the court. With his name and number soon to be in Dallas' rafters, his presence with the team will only enhance.
Follow Us
Subscribe