NBA: Top 5 Most Valuable Veterans

2. Dirk Nowitzki; PF, Dallas Mavericks; Age: 35

The former NBA Champion, 11 time All-Star and future hall of famer will reprise his role, yet again as the focal point of the Mavericks this season.

The Mavericks came crashing down from NBA Champions (who defeated King James and Co.) to the 10th seed in the western conference within a span of 2 years. This season the Mavs have rebuilt and will be looking forward to reclaim their spot in the postseason and who’re they looking at to lead them there? Nowitzki, as usual.

In all fairness, the Mavs have assembled a decent team to take them beyond April, but their focal point is still Dirk. However, the Mavs have an explosive guard in Monta Ellis which means that he’ll be able to shoulder some of the offensive load with Nowitzki. They have also acquired Dalembert, who’ll be able to handle some of the work off the glass too.

Overall, this season’s Dallas team is better, more balanced than last year, but they’re still banking heavily on Nowitzki to produce. He’s had a full offseason to recover from his injury and they’ll be hoping that the league’s best offensive PF will be back to his usual elite standards.