Heading into the 2017-18 NBA season, it will mark Dirk Nowitzki's 19th season with the Dallas Mavericks. As one of the greatest power forwards in league history, the game has changed and head coach Rick Carlisle is looking to make an adjustment.
Despite Nerlens Noel signing his one-year qualifying offer, Nowitzki is expected to play more minutes at center than power forward heading into the new season according to Earl Sneed of Mavs.com:
Rick Carlisle says he anticipates Dirk Nowitzki playing less PF minutes than any previous season this year. More center minutes for Dirty.
— Earl K. Sneed (@EarlKSneed) October 4, 2017
With more teams embracing small ball lineups, Nowitzki playing center will hopefully allow him to keep up with opponents at 39 years old. While Nowitzki has remained fairly efficient at this stage of his career, he dealt with numerous injuries this past season. As Father Time is undefeated, it remains to be seen if he will continue to play after his 19th season.
For the Mavericks, they are rebuilding in the highly competitive Western Conference. While Noel's future with the team remains uncertain, they selected Dennis Smith Jr. with the ninth overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, who has received rave reviews from both teammates and opponents.
Nowitzki's 19th season officially begins on Oct. 18 as the Mavericks take on the Atlanta Hawks.
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