Dirk “The German Wunderkind” Nowitzki has accomplished what no other player in NBA history has ever done, winning an NBA title in their hometown. He is not only the Dallas Mavericks’ best player, but also its most recognizable one to fans all over the world. His height, his shooting touch and his ability to lead a team are just some of the things that make him a great player to watch.
History of Dirk Nowitzki
Dirk Nowitzki was born on June 19, 1978 in Wurzburg, Germany. He was the youngest of two children. He had to grow up without his father because he had run-ins with the law and left the family when Dirk was three years old. His mother worked hard to provide for her family by taking on many different jobs. It’s hard to believe that Dirk Nowitzki is now 34 years old with 13 years under his belt as an NBA star.
His first draft
Dirk Nowitzki was drafted ninth in the 1998 NBA draft by Dallas. He didn’t play that much his first season. Dirk wasn’t much of a player his first season, but he has since become a prominent player that leads the team to many great seasons. He was just graduating from high school when these things began to happen. Dirk signed with Nike in 1997 and suffered an injury in the same year that caused him to miss most of his rookie season. Dirk would return to action in 1999, signing a seven-year contract extension with the Dallas Mavericks worth $80 million over the life of the contract. The 2000-2001 NBA season saw Dirk make his first All-Star appearance, averaging 24 points per game and 10 rebounds per game.The 2001-2002 NBA season came with more success for Dirk Nowitzki as he averaged 25 points per game and 10 rebounds per game.
Number of rings
Dirk Nowitzki has won an NBA Championship ring with the Dallas Mavericks, amassing three with the team. Dirk started his playoff career in 2005, when he scored 20 points in game five of the first round series against Denver. Dirk’s Dallas Mavericks would go on to win game six and game seven by large margins. They would continue this winning streak into 2006 against the Sacramento Kings where they went up 3-1 in games before beating them 129-127 in Game 6. The other two rings are from his time at Arizona State University, where he played basketball for four years and helped them win back-to-back NCAA championships in 1996 and 1997. He got all six when he was crowned king of the rats because they wanted him to be able to rule over them with fairness and justice by having all their symbols represent him as well (tail, finger, thumb).His sixth ring is gold because it symbolizes royalty and wealth.
The 2006 NBA finals
In the 2006 championship series, Dirk was superb as he averaged 26 points per game and 10 rebounds per game. With this performance, Dirk is now only one of nine players that have won both an Olympic Gold medal and an NBA Championship ring.
Dallas Mavericks
Dirk Nowitzki currently plays for the Dallas Mavericks as their power forward/center. Dirk is also one of the few NBA players to have played in a game outside of North America, with him playing for Sydney of the Australian National Basketball league.
The German Rifle
His nickname is “The German Rifle” because of his ability to shoot from long distances and score points quickly (he’s also known as “Walking Bucket”)He is not only the Dallas Mavericks’ best player, but also its most recognizable one to fans all over the world.
Conclusion
He is an amazing player with great technique and condition. Every young basketball player should look up to him and train like him. His legacy will continue throughout the history of basketball.
