Dirk Nowitzki, an icon of the NBA, has undoubtedly etched his name among the game’s legends. His extraordinary skills, dominant performances, and unwavering dedication have elevated him to the pantheon of basketball greatness. However, in the ongoing debate about the greatest player of all time (GOAT), Nowitzki’s perspective differs from the popular consensus, adding a unique dimension to discussions about basketball greatness.
Despite being labeled as the ‘greatest international player ever,’ Dirk surprisingly overlooks LeBron James in favor of an even more storied name – Michael Jordan. Unraveling this intriguing perspective makes it evident that the GOAT debate is far from settled.
Dirk Nowitzki sides with Michael Jordan in GOAT debate
Despite being hailed as one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history himself, Dirk Nowitzki has named Michael Jordan as his hero and the greatest basketball player of all time (GOAT). But LeBron James, the star player of the Los Angeles Lakers, has hailed Dirk Nowitzki as the “greatest international player ever.”
Despite the accolades bestowed upon him by James, Nowitzki has surprised many by siding with Michael Jordan in the never-ending GOAT (Greatest of All Time) debate.
Before the Dallas Mavericks’ home victory against the Lakers, Dirk Nowitzki received a grand honor of having his statue unveiled outside the American Airlines Center. This tribute further solidified his standing as a legend in the basketball world. The German icon joins an elite group of international players, including Hakeem Olajuwon, Steve Nash, Patrick Ewing, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Tim Duncan, who have all made the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.
During the ceremony, LeBron James took the opportunity to heap praise upon Dirk Nowitzki, acknowledging his extraordinary impact on the game. James even went as far as comparing Nowitzki to the revered Manu Ginobili, highlighting their immense contributions to basketball, particularly revolutionizing the role of the stretch 4 position.
However, despite the accolades from James and the broader basketball community, Nowitzki’s allegiance in the GOAT debate lies with Michael Jordan. By aligning himself with the undeniably legendary Jordan, Nowitzki adds fuel to an already fervent discussion among fans and analysts.
Moreover, Nowitzki also unveiled his all-time Dallas Mavericks starting five, prioritizing a small ball lineup that included Steve Nash, his close friend, at the point guard position, Jason Kidd, a Hall of Famer, at shooting guard, longtime ally and mentor, Michael Finley, power forward spot for “the Jet” Jason Terry or Nick Van Exel as Dirk Nowitzki’s choices were based on their contributions to his career and the camaraderie they shared.
Nowitzki’s admiration for Jordan is evident, but there were more headlines when he previously had reservations about Luka Doncic when he joined the NBA and was “skeptical” about the Dallas Mavericks talent point guard.
Nowitzki reveals his skepticism in a younger Luka Doncic
When Luka Doncic joined the NBA as a young player, there were plenty of doubts surrounding his abilities. Even the legendary Dirk Nowitzki, a future hall-of-famer, admitted to his own skepticism about the promising Slovenian. However, as time passed, Nowitzki’s initial doubts transformed into sheer delight.
Reflecting on the twilight years of his career, Nowitzki revealed his less-than-optimistic views about Doncic’s potential. “The end of my career wasn’t pretty… We needed a little spark plug. I didn’t think it was going to be [Luka Doncic],” said the German sensation. These honest remarks highlight the reservations that even the Mavericks’ veterans had about welcoming a young prospect into their ranks.
As the seasons went by, Dirk Nowitzki witnessed the explosive rise of Doncic firsthand. The young Slovenian showed undeniable talent, maturity beyond his years, and an unrivaled basketball IQ. Doncic quickly dispelled any doubts, earning the respect and admiration of his teammates, Nowitzki included.
With remarkable stat lines that few can rival, Doncic has become a force to be reckoned with. In the 2023 season, he is averaging 31.4 points per game, ranking second overall. In rebounds, he has secured 8.4 per game, landing him 28th on the list. Additionally, his 8.4 assists per game placed him in an impressive 5th position.
But the accolades didn’t stop there. Luka Doncic etched his name in the NBA history books, becoming the first player ever to achieve at least 35 points, 15 rebounds, 15 assists, two steals, two blocks, and five three-pointers in a single game. Throughout the season, he accomplished triple-doubles on three separate occasions and scored 35 or more points in six games, including back-to-back performances.
Luka Doncic’s undeniable talent and stellar performances have silenced the doubts of even the most skeptical. Now, it’s clear that Dirk Nowitzki and the entire team were fortunate to witness the rise of this true phenom in the basketball world.
