Dirk Nowitzki entered the NBA as the ninth overall pick in the 1998 draft after his selection by the Milwaukee Bucks and immediate trade to the Dallas Mavericks. The German-born power forward remained with the Mavericks for his entire 21-season career, setting an NBA record for the longest tenure with a single franchise.
Formative Years in Würzburg
Born in 1978 in Würzburg, Germany, Nowitzki initially participated in tennis and handball. Under the guidance of coach Holger Geschwindner, who focused on unorthodox shooting and passing drills, he transitioned to basketball. By age 16, he joined the DJK Würzburg squad. During his tenure with the team in the Second Bundesliga, he developed his skills as an outside-scoring forward, eventually leading the club to promotion during the 1997-1998 season while fulfilling compulsory military service.
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Standing 7 ft 0 in, Nowitzki became a central figure in the NBA. He earned the league Most Valuable Player Award in 2007 and led the Mavericks to their first championship in 2011, where he was named the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player. His individual career is marked by 14 All-Star selections and 12 appearances on the All-NBA Team. He remains the highest-scoring foreign-born player in league history.
International Representation
Nowitzki maintained a significant role with the Germany national team. His performance at the 2002 FIBA World Championship resulted in a bronze medal, and he secured a silver medal at EuroBasket 2005. He served as the leading scorer and tournament MVP in both instances. His contributions to the sport were further recognized through his 2023 induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the 2026 induction into the FIBA Hall of Fame.
Fast facts
- Born: 1978, Würzburg
- Citizenship: Germany
- Primary Position: Power forward
- NBA Career Length: 21 seasons
- NBA MVP Award: 2007
- NBA Finals MVP: 2011
- UNICEF role: Goodwill Ambassador
- Languages: German
Questions readers ask
Which NBA team did Dirk Nowitzki play for?
He played his entire 21-year NBA career for the Dallas Mavericks.
Did Nowitzki play for the German national team?
Yes, he represented Germany, leading the team to medals in the 2002 FIBA World Championship and EuroBasket 2005.
Achievements
- NBA Most Valuable Player Award
- FIBA Hall of Fame
- Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award
- German Sportspersonality of the Year
- FIBA Europe Player of the Year Award
- Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
- Lucius D. Clay Medal
- Competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics
- 2006 FIBA World Championship
- 2002 FIBA World Championship
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