The best foreign player in NBA history (so far), Dirk Nowitzki, who played as a power forward for the Dallas Mavericks for 21 years, spearheaded the first true superstar wave of All-Star and Hall of Fame-level foreign players to make it big in the league.
So has the 46-year-old ever thought about imparting some of his wisdom to the next generation of promising players in his native Germany?
Speaking at a press conference celebrating the retirement of All-NBA point guard Goran Dragic, Nowitzki said he doesn’t see himself eventually sitting on the bench for either club or national team, EuroHoops’ Cesare Miranti reported, but he explained that doesn’t mean he’s walking away from coaching altogether.
Germany’s Dirk Nowitzki #14 and teammates watch the men’s qualifying round Group B match against Spain at the Olympic Basketball Gymnasium on day six of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games… Germany’s Dirk Nowitzki #14 and teammates watch the men’s qualifying round Group B match against Spain at the Olympic Basketball Gymnasium on day six of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. The 14-time All-Star spoke about his future as a coach. Details Jeff Gross/Getty Images
“I don’t see myself becoming a coach in the future,” Nowitzki revealed. “That could change quickly, but I don’t see myself as a coach of a team. [myself more] As a personal coach. I attend all the big FIBA tournaments and I have a family office in Dallas. I’m learning new things and new interests. I plan to stay involved in basketball, but I don’t know in what capacity.”
Now a special advisor (essentially a part-time assistant coach) for the Mavericks, the 7-foot-tall player has won two international medals with Germany, leading them to a bronze medal at the 2002 FIBA World Cup in Indianapolis, where he was named FIBA World Cup MVP despite that performance. Nowitzki also helped Germany win a silver medal at EuroBasket in 2005, where he was again named MVP.
“I’ve always loved playing for my country. It meant a lot to me,” Nowitzki added. “Basketball gave me a lot. We played in the NBA, but we always played at night because of the time difference. For me, it was important to play in the summer so the fans could see us play up close. I’ve never regretted playing for the national team. It was an honor.”
The 2007 MVP, 2011 champion, 14-time All-Star and 12-time All-NBA selection, Nowitzki revolutionized the game with his versatile scoring ability. He is one of the best players of his generation and a major reason why the NBA has become so international.
If this year’s results are any indication, Nowitzki’s hometown certainly needs his help.
The German men’s team won the 2023 FIBA World Cup but failed to win a medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
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