The Dallas Mavericks made headlines with their blockbuster trade for former New York Knicks big man Kristaps Porzingis. It appears that Mavs power forward Dirk Nowitzki approves of the move.

Nowitzki has already gotten well-acquainted with Porzingis over the last few years. According to Dwain Price of the team's official website, Nowitzki is confident that Dallas brought in a franchise player:

“He’s got a franchise-type player game,” Nowitzki said. “We spent a good week together (in South Africa). He’s a good dude that wants to win.

“He’s mobile enough to play (power forward), he can be a spread (center), he can move, block shots and post. Before he got hurt he played an all-around game. He’s got the work ethic, he wants to be great, he’s a good dude and a team player.”

Article Continues Below
More Dallas Mavericks News
NBA great Kevin Garnett is honored for being selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team during halftime in the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
Kevin Garnett’s hyped reaction to looming Bronny James-Cooper Flagg showdownAbdullah Imran ·
Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) dribbles the ball against the Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers during the first half in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Lenovo Center.
Will Cooper Flagg be Mavericks’ point guard until Kyrie Irving returns from injury?Joey Mistretta ·
Mavericks Luka Doncic on left, Mavericks Cooper Flagg on right, stop light in the middle on red.
Why the Cooper Flagg-Luka Doncic comparisons must come to an endJoey Mistretta ·
mavericks, dallas mavericks, d'angelo russell
The player Dallas Mavericks must avoid in 2025 NBA free agencyGarrett Kerman ·
Cooper Flagg talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago.
Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg reveals his favorite WNBA player’s gameAbdullah Imran ·
Dallas Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving talks with Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) after the game against the Indiana Fever at the American Airlines Center.
Wings’ Paige Bueckers reveals how Kyrie Irving inspired ‘unguardable’ motivationJoey Mistretta ·

Nowitzki's comments should come as no surprise. He has shared plenty of praise for Porzingis during his rise to stardom. It is clear that he is happy to see him joining the Mavs.

Despite his injury, Porzingis is still widely regarded as one of the most promising, young players in the league. He had even been named an All-Star until tearing his ACL last February. Although he has had ample time to recover, the Mavs have already indicated that he will likely sit out for the rest of the 2018-19 NBA season.

Porzingis has drawn plenty of comparison to Nowitzki due to their similar skill sets and paths to the NBA. He now has an opportunity to learn all that he can from him as a member of the same organization. Meanwhile, Nowitzki can rest assure that the Mavs are in good hands.