Dirk Nowitzki, the legendary Dallas Mavericks power forward, recently provided intriguing insights into his basketball preferences, including his perspective on the greatest basketball player of all time (GOAT) and his ideal all-time starting five for the Dallas Mavericks.
When asked about his basketball idols and the guests he would invite to his dream dinner table on the All The Smoke show, Nowitzki did not hesitate to name Michael Jordan as his GOAT. Nowitzki, often hailed as one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history himself, expressed deep admiration for Jordan, labeling him as his hero.
Alongside Jordan, Nowitzki’s fantasy dinner included iconic figures from various sports, showcasing his diverse sporting interests. Muhammad Ali, the legendary boxer, tennis maestro Roger Federer, and tennis great Boris Becker were among the esteemed guests. Tiger Woods, the golfing sensation, completed the star-studded list, reflecting Nowitzki’s appreciation for greatness across different disciplines.
“I’d say Michael Jordan obviously, he’s my hero, he’s my GOAT always. I’d say Muhammad Ali… I was always a big tennis guy, so I’m gonna go with Roger Federer. growing up I was a big Boris Becker fan, so that’s four. And fifth I’d do Tiger Woods.” (1:03:40)
Dirk Nowitzki also reveals his all-time Dallas Mavericks starting five, using the small ball as a priority for his selection.
“I’d play with some studs… Nash is one of my best buddies. Nash is obviously one of my best buddies, he’s the one. J Kidd, a Hall of Famer, he’d play the two, he can guard the two, they can both handle the ball.”
“My guy Finley would play the three, he helped me so much while growing up, he was basically the man when I got here. Then there is a lot of guys, if I play the four, for the fifth spot, like the Jet or I mean Nick Van Exel was amazing the couple of years he was here.” (1:00:30)
Shifting the focus to his beloved Dallas Mavericks, Nowitzki was asked to assemble an all-time starting five for the franchise. Unsurprisingly, Nowitzki included some of the Mavericks’ greatest players, emphasizing the camaraderie and impact each had on his career.
At the point guard position, Nowitzki chose Steve Nash not only for his exceptional playmaking skills but also for highlighting their close friendship. Jason Kidd, a Hall of Famer renowned for his incredible basketball IQ and versatility, earned the nod at shooting guard. Nowitzki’s longtime ally and mentor, Michael Finley, claimed the small forward spot, acknowledged for his crucial role during Nowitzki’s early years in Dallas.
Nowitzki’s reflections extended to the power forward position, where he naturally slotted himself. Acknowledging his contributions and legacy as a Maverick, Nowitzki recognized his pivotal role in the franchise’s history, just like Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, who also had Dirk in his Mavs All-Time 5.
For the final spot, Nowitzki acknowledged the abundance of talent in Mavericks’ history, citing options like Jason Terry (affectionately known as “the Jet”) and the dynamic Nick Van Exel, who left a lasting impression during his time with the team.
Dirk Nowitzki’s choices for his dream dinner guests and the all-time Dallas Mavericks starting five reflect not only his basketball acumen but also the diverse influences that have shaped his appreciation for greatness.
From the hardwood exploits of Michael Jordan to the tennis brilliance of Roger Federer, Nowitzki’s selections showcase a deep respect for excellence across different sports. As for the Mavericks’ starting five, it pays homage to the talented individuals who played pivotal roles in Nowitzki’s remarkable career and the franchise’s success.
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