It’s well known that Dirk Nowitzki’s loyalty to the Dallas Mavericks is beyond this world. Yet, the German big man keeps surprising us with how committed he is to the team that gave him everything during his 21 seasons in the association. Now that he’s retired, he could go take a job somewhere he wants inside and outside the basketball world, but that doesn’t seem to be a possibility for Dirk unless it’s the Dallas Mavericks who are asking for his services,
That’s what he recently revealed when talking about an assistant job offer by the Brooklyn Nets. The 2011 NBA champion revealed he declined the opportunity to join long-time friend Steve Nash at the Barclays Center out of respect and loyalty for the Mavs. Talking with Brad Townshend of the Dallas Morning News, Nowitzki spoke out about his decision, explaining:
“First of all, I don’t know if I could do it anywhere but here. Second, I just think the timing is not right. I love being with the family. I’m so over basketball at this point that it wasn’t even a thought for me.”
Having played together from 1998 through 2004, Nowitzki and Nash created a deep bond that lasts until today. They have been doing outside activities together in recent times, making fun of each other. However, the one thing that they won’t do together is coaching an NBA team unless that team is the Dallas Mavericks. Dirk still believes that Nash will do a good job in Brooklyn.
“(Nash) was always the first one to slap people on the butts when things weren’t working,” Nowitzki said. “To me, he was one of the most positive teammates I’ve ever been around. I think he’s going to be great. He’ll learn more about the timeout situations, play-calling and stuff like that, but he already has what it takes to be a natural leader to me.”
Nash will have his first coaching experience with the Nets. He will have two of the most controversial players in the league in recent times, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Things have started well for the trio, who are expected to take this team to the promised land. They have big expectations entering next season but for Nowitzki, they’ll be just fine with his friend Nash.
