Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki opens up on struggles in day-to-day life after leaving NBA

The NBA’s best illustration of a “One Club Man.” After being picked by the Milwaukee Bucks with the No. 9 overall choice in the 1998 draft, German power forward Dirk Nowitzki played for the Dallas Mavericks for 21 seasons until being traded to them.

After ending his brilliant career, loyalty and love for the colours have ended up costing him dearly in his daily life. On Toni Kroos’ podcast, he confessed, “I can’t stop thinking that those past two years in the NBA were probably not worth it.”

Image Credits – ESPN

“Undoubtedly, there were some outstanding moments, but overall, the squad performed poorly, and I am now not practically able to walk. I’m sure my mobility would be better today if I had retired two years sooner. I could occasionally play football with the children. I am no longer able to do it. It’s an enjoyable sport that’s fantastic.” said Nowitzki. 

“But it’s difficult if you can’t move around correctly. I make an effort to play a few times a week, but my mobility is really limited. Tennis doubles matches constitute the majority of what I play; aside from a few forehands from the back of the court, I don’t do much else.” He added. The best player from Europe ever has physical issues and is still plagued by the effects of spending more than two decades in the NBA.

Dirk Nowitzki also touched upon Luka Doncic’s amazing performances

Since they shared the court together during the 2018–19 season, Luka’s rookie season and Dirk’s season of retirement, Doncic and Dirk have developed a fantastic friendship. Recently, while watching Slovenia play, Dirk joined the crowd in calling Luka “overrated” in an effort to smear him. 

When discussing the situation with EuroBasket, Nowitzki revealed that he believes Luka has no offensive weaknesses and that even at his advanced age, he is still able to understand the game.

Image Credits – SI

“I’m still in awe of how talented he is already and how, at such a young age, he reads the game. On the offensive side, you don’t come in as a whole product, and I don’t even believe this man has any vulnerabilities. He possesses a step-back three-point shot, he can post up, and his passing set him apart from many of the top scorers. He makes no-look passes to the 3-point shooter or the roller depending on the situation, according to how he views the court. He continues to wow everyone and appears to get better every year. The genuine stuff, he is.” he explained. 

The Mavs must surround Luka with quality players and give him a chance to win the championship if they hope to keep him for another 21 years as they did Dirk. If not, he may join another NBA club with his once-in-a-generation skill.

 

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