Not many NBA players have been able — or willing — to spend their entire careers with just one organization, but Dirk Nowitzki was no ordinary player.
Ever since that draft-night trade that sent his rights from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Dallas Mavericks, the legendary power forward stayed loyal to the organization.
Now, looking back on his career ahead of his induction to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Dirk explained to HoopsHype why he decided to spend his entire career in Dallas.
Dirk Nowitzki on why he stuck around so long with the Dallas Mavericks… pic.twitter.com/uVFESJtB4z
— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) August 9, 2023
Dirk called himself a loyal person, and he felt like the fans, the city, and even Mark Cuban and the organization were quite good to him, so he wanted to pay them back by making things work there.
Nowitzki made it clear that he didn’t want to criticize players who change teams, stating that every guy should do what makes him and his family happy and that those decisions aren’t easy and they should consider multiple factors.
Dirk holds the record for the most seasons played with a single team (21).
Nowitzki stayed through thick and thin, and he took it upon himself to lead the organization to success.
He also led them to the NBA Finals twice, winning one ring and one Finals MVP in the process and establishing himself as one of the greatest shooting bigs in NBA history.
NEXT: Dirk Nowitzki Discusses His Admiration For Retired Sixth Man