End of an Era: NBA will miss Vince Carter, Dirk Nowitzki, and Dwyane Wade

Dallas Mavericks v Chicago Bulls

Dirk Nowitzki:

Originally drafted, in 1998, by the Milwaukee Bucks. Nowitzki, was dealt, on draft day, along with Steve Nash, to the Dallas Mavericks. Twenty-one years later, like Vince Carter, Dirk Nowitzki has left a legacy, in the game of basketball. A 7 footer originally, from Germany, Nowitzki brought a blend of passing and long-range shooting not usually expected, of big men, in the NBA. Nowitzki sports career averages of 21.2 points per game, 7.7 rebounds per game and a very good 38.3% from three-point range. Nowitzki, in many ways, is the precursor to forwards like Kevin Durant and Anthony Davis, centers with a complete skill set.

Nowitzki’s resume is highly decorated. His Mavericks were NBA Champions in 2011 beating the LeBron James led Miami Heat, in a six-game series, 4-2. Nowitzki was the NBA Finals MVP in 2011. He was also the NBA’s MVP in 2007. Nowitzki was an NBA all-star from 2002-2012 and, in 2014 and 2015. He also won a three-point shootout competition at the 2006 all-star event. Like Vince Carter, Nowitzki has not announced his retirement, but he is 40 years old. In the summer of 2017, Nowitzki signed a two year deal for $10 million dollars with this season being a team option. Dallas exercised the team option. Nowitzki is out of contract at the end of this season.