Dallas Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki has been widely recognized as the greatest international player of all-time. His 21 years in the NBA is nothing short of legendary. He has been a cornerstone of the Mavs franchise for more than two decades, and he's looked up to by a lot of international players who want to make it to the league.

One of those players who was inspired by Nowitzki is San Antonio Spurs' Davis Bertans. The Latvian forward recently told Jeff McDonald of San Antonio News Express that Dirk had an impact in every European player's career.

“Being one of the first ones like that, he was an influence on every European player.”

One of the most celebrated accomplishments by Dirk Nowitzki was the championship he and the Mavs won back in 2011, when they beat the Miami Heat who just formed the Big Three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh in the beginning of that season.

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Bertans thought that title run was special.

“They didn’t have huge stars besides Dirk, but it was a well-rounded team. Dirk got the MVP and they won. Nobody expected it before the season. A guy like him winning a championship, I think it means a lot.”

Nowitzki is nearing the end of the finish line in terms of his playing career. He still has plans to return next season, but no matter what he decides to do, what he has accomplished and what he has been able to do for his team and his fellow European players is something that will never be taken away from him.