Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle knows franchise icon Dirk Nowitzki will have to make some sacrifices in what could be the last year of his 21-year NBA career, but skipping out on a farewell tour isn't one of them.
Nowitzki is one of many NBA players expected to retire after this season, along with Dwyane Wade, Udonis Haslem, and Vince Carter, but Carlisle knows Nowitzki isn't the type to want commemorative plaques or leave autographed jerseys to fellow stars who admire him.
“He doesn’t want a farewell tour,” said Carlisle, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon. “I don’t blame him. Those are for some guys, other guys not.”
Nowitzki might be outspoken and a comedic genius, but he's rather reserved when it comes to his own personal life and even his potential decision to hang them up after more than two decades in NBA hardwood.
While Wade and Carter are expected to be showered with praise and endless mementos, Nowitzki would rather set his sights on a common goal, staying true to his team-first mantra and hoping to leave the league in a winning note.
The German international already solidified his career with a championship in 2011, but he has still taken multiple pay cuts in recent years, renegotiating his contract in order to attract talent and make signings possible.
That same unselfishness will be put on display when Nowitzki takes the floor, this time coming off the bench, for the first time after 20 seasons as a perennial starter.
Follow Us
Subscribe