The Dallas Mavericks unveiled a statue of legendary forward Dirk Nowitzki prior to Monday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Dirk Nowitzki playing for the Dallas Mavericks in 2017.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The statue outside American Airlines Center is about 7 metres tall and is a sculpture of Nowitzki’s famed one-legged fadeaway jumper.
Nowitzki spent his entire 21-year career (1998-2019) with the Mavericks, an NBA record for most seasons played with one franchise.
The writing at the base of the statue signifies that: “Loyalty never fades away.”
“It’s 21 letters for my 21 years here,” Nowitzki said.
Nowitzki, a 14-time All-Star, led Dallas to its lone NBA title during the 2010-11 season. He was named NBA Finals MVP.
Now 44, Nowitzki ranks sixth in NBA history with 31,560 career points. He will likely be a first-ballot selection to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023.
Several current Dallas players attended the ceremony, including star guard Luka Doncic. Coach Jason Kidd, a former teammate of Nowitzki, also watched the festivities.
The statue is on Nowitzki Way, a street outside the downtown Dallas arena that was renamed after Nowitzki in 2019.
–Reuters
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
