Newsletter
Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Reading: Charles Barkley Shares A Great Story When 18-Year-Old Dirk Nowitzki Scored 52 PTS Against Him, MJ & Pippen
Fadeaway WorldFadeaway World
Search
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Follow US
Home > NBA News & Analysis > Charles Barkley Shares A Great Story When 18-Year-Old Dirk Nowitzki Scored 52 PTS Against Him, MJ & Pippen

Charles Barkley Shares A Great Story When 18-Year-Old Dirk Nowitzki Scored 52 PTS Against Him, MJ & Pippen

Orlando Silva
Jun 20, 2020
3 Min Read
Share

Dirk Nowitzki just turned 42 and as usual, we got to remember some of the best stories we learned about him during his career. However, there is always one that stands out the most. When he was 18, when he even hadn’t made it to the NBA, Dirk was already torching legends with his talent.

Charles Barkley, one of the players who went against Dirk at that time, recalled the story of how the German big man was just having it against him, Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Ballislife.com shared the video of Barkley talking in the locker room, during a charity softball game, about a handful of NBA vets facing Dirk.

“Michael, Scottie and a bunch of guys..like NBA players. Dirk was like 18,” Barkley said, recollecting his memories from 1997. “So Dirk was kicking our ass. He got like 25 in half-time. And me and Michael like, ‘Scottie you gotta pick it up a little bit.’ He’s like ‘Man, I’m going to lock him down in the second half.’ Dirk finished with 52,” Barkley revealed.

“‘So I was like who the hell are you?’ And he starts talking, and he’s like 18-19. I said ‘Where you gonna play at?’ He says ‘ I have to go into the army.’ I said ‘ Dude you can’t go into the army playing like that.’” Here is what Charles did after learning Dirk had no college offers to help pave his way into the NBA.

“I called Nike and I said, ‘Find out about this kid, tell him I’ll give him everything he wants to go to Auburn!’”

"DUDE, WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?"

Charles Barkley’s hilarious story about 18-year-old Dirk scoring 52 PTS in an exhibition game against him, MJ & Pippen.

After the game, Barkley called Nike & tried recruiting Dirk to Auburn.

pic.twitter.com/Xw1NQa1vDl

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) June 19, 2020

In the end, Nowitzki didn’t attend Auburn and one year later, he was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks, who immediately shipped him to Dallas, where the Mavericks waited for him, the player that would change their story and gave them their first-ever NBA championship. A lot of people tend to overlook Dirk; this is the best way to show people how great he was.

Follow on Google News

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.

TAGGED:Charles BarkleyDallas Mavericks ArchiveMichael JordanScottie Pippen
Share This Article
Facebook Email Copy Link Print
ByOrlando Silva
Follow:
Orlando Silva has been a part of Fadeaway World for over three years now, starting in March 2019. Trade rumors, hottest news, controversies, and basketball gossip have become his specialties. After several years of seeing the Spurs dominate the playoffs, they've become his favorite team as players for the franchise either rise to the occasion or fall completely from grace. When he's not talking about the NBA, Orlando can be seen watching other sports, making music, or enjoying television series.
Previous Article NBA Rumors: Warriors May Consider Signing DeMarcus Cousins Again
Next Article Kendrick Perkins Sends A Message To Kevin Durant: ‘I Still Love You To This Day My Brother’
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Newsletter

Stay up to date with our newsletter on the latest news, trends, ranking lists, and evergreen articles

Newsletter
Facebook X-twitter Instagram

You Might Also Like

Minnesota Timberwolves News & Analysis

Anthony Edwards Gets Real On Putting “Belt To A**” On Elite Players Like Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Stephen Curry

October 3, 2025
Golden State Warriors News & Analysis

Steve Kerr Took A Page From Phil Jackson’s Book To Avoid Contract Distractions During Warriors’ Season

October 3, 2025
Golden State Warriors News & Analysis

Seth Curry Admits He Didn’t Want To Team Up With Stephen Curry Until Now

October 3, 2025
Sep 29, 2025; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets player Nikola Jokic (15) takes questions during media day at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Denver Nuggets News & Analysis

Nikola Jokic Remains Loyal To The Nuggets Despite Not Signing An Extension This Summer

October 3, 2025

NBA - Fadeaway World

  • Atlanta Hawks
  • Boston Celtics
  • Brooklyn Nets
  • Charlotte Hornets
  • Chicago Bulls
  • Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Dallas Mavericks
  • Denver Nuggets
  • Detroit Pistons
  • Golden State Warriors
  • Houston Rockets
  • Indiana Pacers
  • Los Angeles Clippers
  • Los Angeles Lakers
  • Memphis Grizzlies
  • Miami Heat
  • Milwaukee Bucks
  • Minnesota Timberwolves
  • New Orleans Pelicans
  • New York Knicks
  • Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Orlando Magic
  • Philadelphia 76ers
  • Phoenix Suns
  • Portland Trail Blazers
  • Sacramento Kings
  • San Antonio Spurs
  • Toronto Raptors
  • Utah Jazz
  • Washington Wizards

Pages

  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA Media
  • Exclusive NBA Interviews
  • NBA 2K News & Updates

© 2025 Fadeaway World @ All Rights Reserved

  • About Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World Authors
  • Editorial Team
  • Ethics Policy
  • Corrections Policy
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Contact Us
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?