2011 NBA champion Dirk Nowitzki is regarded as one of the greatest power forwards in history to grace the NBA courts. His championship run is arguably one of the toughest and greatest title runs in history.
Nowitzki’s basketball journey began in Würzburg, Germany, where he discovered the game's nuances and developed an unparalleled passion due to his mother being a professional basketball player. Soon, a teenage Nowitzki became somewhat of a prodigy in Germany and quickly ascended to stardom.
Nowitzki started playing at local basketball club DJK Würzburg, where he showcased basketball skills and leadership qualities beyond his years. His rise in Germany caught the attention of NBA scouts, and in the 1998 NBA Draft, the Milwaukee Bucks selected Nowitzki with the ninth overall pick. However, he was soon traded to the Dallas Mavericks in a multi-team deal.
What followed was a hall of fame 21-year career with the Mavs, cementing Nowitzki’s legacy in NBA history forever. Despite not fitting the mold of an athletic dunker like other forwards, Nowitzki's greatness was his sharpshooting skills. His ability to shoot from anywhere on the court, coupled with his exceptional basketball IQ, made him a force on offense.
Nowitzki revolutionized the power forward position. He is renowned for his incredible footwork, particularly his one-legged fadeaway. In his 21-year NBA career, Nowitzki was an offensive juggernaut with an unguardable scoring arsenal, leading to 31,560 points.
Nowitzki is one of just nine players in NBA history to achieve the coveted 50-40-90 shooting percentages for a season. This feat was made even more remarkable by the fact that he is the only power forward in the 50-40-90 club. During his illustrious basketball career, Nowitzki inspired a generation of forwards.
He proved that athleticism is not the sole path to success — finesse, dedication and a deadly jump shot could redefine the game. Nowitzki’s influence extended beyond the court, leaving an indelible mark on the NBA and shaping the way future forwards approached their craft.
Dirk Nowtzki Retirement
Dirk Nowitzki retired from the NBA on April 10, 2019. At the time of his retirement, he was 40 years old. In his final NBA season, the 2018/19 season, Nowitzki averaged 7.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 0.7 assists per game, leaving a lasting impact in what would be a historic hall of fame career.
Notably, Dirk Nowitzki’s final season was the rookie season of Mavs superstar Luka Doncic. His one-season with Doncic marked the passing of the torch from one Dallas legend to the next, as the young Slovenian phenom has become one of the best in the league.
Nowitzki finished his NBA career being the All-time leader of the Mavs franchise in multiple categories — games played, seasons played, points, rebounds, blocks, field goals, 3-point field goals and free throws. His incredible loyalty to the franchise is highlighted by an NBA record for the most seasons (21) and games played (1,522) with a single team throughout his illustrious career.
In honor of his contributions, the Dallas Mavericks retired Nowitzki's iconic #41 jersey in 2022, a fitting tribute to a player who defined the team for over two decades. In 2023, Nowitzki was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as a first-ballot inductee, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
Truly, Nowitzki’s legacy endures not only in the record books but in the hearts of those he inspired to dream beyond the confines of tradition.
FAQs
A. When Dirk Nowitzki retired he was 40 years old. He spent his entire 21-season NBA career with the Dallas Mavericks.
A. Dirk Nowitzki retired in 2019.
A. Nowitzki won the NBA MVP in 2007.
A. Nowitzki was a 14-time NBA All-Star and was named the Finals MVP in 2011.
