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Dirk Nowitzki became one of the most prolific scorers ever to play on a basketball court. A 7-foot forward who can shoot from anywhere on the floor doesn't come around very often, and Nowitzki played 21 years in the NBA, all while wearing a Dallas Mavericks uniform.
The Mavericks acquired Nowitzki during the 1998 NBA draft in a trade with the Milwaukee Bucks. The German-born forward was a bit of a mystery to some, but it didn't take long before Nowitzki made his presence felt. After averaging just 8.2 points per game during his rookie season, Nowitzki saw that average jump to 17.5 ppg during his second year.
From there, the forward went on to become a marvel for fans across the world with his combination of size and shooting, giving nightmares to opposing defenses.
According to a report from NBA Analyst Marc Stein, the Dallas Mavericks organization is planning to retire Dirk Nowitzki's number in a home game in January.
It's an expected move and well deserved for one of the greatest forwards to ever play. Nowitzki built an impressive resume. Let's take a look at five of the greatest moments during Dirk Nowitzki's career with the Dallas Mavericks.
No. 5: Passing John Stockton for Games Played (2019)
During his final year in the NBA, Dirk Nowtizki passed John Stockton for third all-time in total games played. For a player of Nowitzki's size and mobility, this was one of the more "underrated" accomplishments of his career, considering how much mileage he accumulated while impressively still playing at a high level.
John Stockon played 19 years, totaling 1,504 games with the Utah Jazz. At the time, Dirk Nowitzki moved into third all-time behind Robert Parish and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Vince Carter later passed Nowitzki during his 22-season career. Nowitzki finds himself fourth on the list with a total of 1,522 games played.
No. 4: NBA Finals Game 4, "The Fever Game" (2011)
Although Dirk Nowitzki had plenty of eye-opening box scores throughout his career, Game 4 of the 2011 NBA Finals ranks as one of his most impressive performances.
The Dallas Mavericks trailed the Miami Heat 2-1 heading into Game 4 of the NBA Finals with a pivotal home game up next. It had been reported that Nowitzki had a fever of 102 before the crucial game. Although Nowitzki struggled shooting, he still finished with 21 points and 11 rebounds, giving the Mavericks the win and shifting the momentum of the series.
The victory proved to be the turning point as Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavericks won the next two games as well to secure the franchise's first NBA championship. Nowitzki was named MVP of the series.
No. 3: Passing Wilt Chamberlain (2019)
Anytime a player starts to climb the all-time scoring list, there's always going to be excitement building with fans. With each legendary name a player passes, the buzz builds. And when a player is creeping up in the top 10 toward some of the greatest ever to play the game, that's when the accomplishment gets truly special.
During his final year in the NBA, Nowitzki started to inch closer to passing legendary big man Wilt Chamberlain (31,419 points) on the all-time scoring list. After hitting a jumpshot against the New Orleans Pelicans in March, Nowitzki passed Chamberlain for sixth on that list.
It was a special moment for Nowitzki, as he was able to accomplish the feat in front at home. Nowitzki received a standing ovation from the crowd, which included a number of players who played with Nowitzki on the Dallas Mavericks. Nowitzki finished his career with 31,560 points, right behind Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan (32,292).
No. 2: NBA MVP and an elite club (2006-07)
It seemed as if it was only a matter of time before Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki found himself a serious contender for the league's MVP award, and that time came in 2006-07.
That season, Nowitzki had one of the most impressive seasons by anyone in NBA history. Nowitzki averaged 24.6 points, 8.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game.
More than those numbers, it's the efficiency that sets his season apart.
Dirk Nowitzki became one of nine players ever to finish a year in the 50-40-90 club, shooting 50.2% from the field, 41.6% from 3-point range and 90.4% from the free throw line. That combination is one of the most challenging things to do throughout an entire season, even for some of the top shooters in NBA history. The fact Nowitzki did so as a forward made the accomplishment even more impressive.
No. 1: Championship and Finals MVP (2011)
The 2011 NBA title run could not have been accomplished without the performance of Dirk Nowitzki.
Dirk Nowitzki looked possessed as he carried the team to the NBA's biggest stage. In the Western Conference Finals, Nowitzki was unstoppable. Facing the Oklahoma City Thunder, Nowitzki averaged 32.2 points while shooting 55.7% from the floor.
After the Mavericks defeated the Thunder in five games, a matchup against LeBron James and the Miami Heat awaited. After an impressive Game 4 performance while ill as the Mavericks tied the series at 2-2, Dirk Nowitzki put together one of his best outings in Game 5, totaling 29 points and six rebounds while shooting 9 of 18 from the field.
Dallas won Game 6 to claim the title, giving Nowitzki his first and only NBA championship. He was named Finals MVP after averaging 26.0 points, 9.7 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game.
