Dirk Nowitzki came into the NBA in the 1998 NBA Draft, and over the years, established himself as an all-time great. Dirk was a scary combination of size and skill, with many considering Dirk to be the greatest shooting big man of all time. But two NBA legends witnessed Dirk’s greatness even before he entered the NBA.
Charles Barkley told the story about how he and Scottie Pippen struggled against 17-year-old Dirk Nowitzki, and how Dirk dominated Pippen, who was considered the best defender in the world.
“So Dirk is kicking our a*,” Barkley told the room. “He got like 25 at half time… Dirk was like 18. This was when Scottie was “the best defender in the world”. [Scottie said] ‘I’m going to lock him down in the second half’. Dirk finished with like 52. I was like ‘Dude, who the hell are you?’. Scottie was like ‘Dude, he is kicking your a**’.”
In 1997, 18-year-old Dirk Nowitzki participated Nike Hoop Heroes in Germany.
Dirk got 52pts and roasted Scottie Pippen 1v1.
Charles Barkley in shock, said, "Dude, who the hell are you?" pic.twitter.com/WeFszrksyJ
— Oldskoolbball (@Oldskoolbball2) September 20, 2021
Pippen and Barkley got a special preview of what Dirk Nowitzki was capable of before he even entered the NBA. For Dirk to be able to dominate a legendary defender like Scottie Pippen at the peak of his powers is truly something remarkable. And he would do the same when he entered the NBA and began his legendary professional career.
Dirk Nowitzki Became An NBA Legend
Dirk Nowitzki played for the Dallas Mavericks throughout his 21-year NBA career. And during that time, he took the franchise to the NBA Finals twice. In 2011, he singlehandedly led them to the 2011 NBA championship. What made it even more impressive is that he did this against the Miami Heat superteam with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.
Many fans consider that championship win to be one of the best ever. But fans recently debated whether Jimmy Butler leading the Heat to the 2023 NBA championship would rank higher than Dirk’s title win. Regardless of the outcome, Dirk will forever be remembered as the greatest Dallas Maverick of all time.
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