Like his European colleagues Tony Parker and Pau Gasol, Dirk Nowitzki also joined the basketball pantheon last night, on the occasion of the Hall Of Fame, Class of 2023 ceremony. And like “TP” or Dwyane Wade, the Mavericks legend also delivered a touching speech, without tears for his part but no less very moving.
A speech during which the German interior paid tribute to the various people who forged his career, associating to each a value, learned and remained engraved in his mind.
For Mark Cuban, Dirk Nowitzki chose loyalty. From 2000, the year the businessman bought the Mavericks, to 2019, the year the “Wunderkid” retired, the two men played the pillars of the Dallas franchise, in good times and bad. Always with deep loyalty to each other.
” The embodiment of loyalty in my life is my dear friend Mark Cuban. You got a big heart, and you taught me a lot about loyalty », thus declared Dirk Nowitzki to a particularly moved Mark Cuban. ” I will always remember when you came to your first practice with the Mavericks, after buying the club. You wanted to do one-on-one, because you told me that you knew how to play a little. So of course, I ‘drive’ left hand, like I always do, and dunk you on the head. And from there, our friendship was born. Thanks for everything you’ve done for me. »
Creativity: Don Nelson, behind the “Wunderkid”
Dirk Nowitzki also had a special thought for Don Nelson, the very first coach of his NBA career, and undoubtedly the most important for his integration and his confidence.
” When I think of creativity, I think of ‘Nelly’, Don Nelson. He always saw things his way. When I came to the league, there weren’t many coaches who would accept an inside my size stepping aside to shoot 3-pointers. “, he recalled. ” He saw things that way, so my qualities fit perfectly with his system, and I’m very grateful to him. He’s a very bright brain in the world of basketball. »
Leadership: Steve Nash, “the best teammate of my career”
Finally, the new inductee mentioned Steve Nash, with whom he started his career and passed until the return of the Canadian leader to Phoenix, in the summer of 2004.
” We’ve come a long way, from the days when we had long hair “, Nowitzki laughed. ” Who would have thought when we started that we would end up together on this stage? In any case, it means a lot to me, and you have always been a model to follow in my eyes. Your positivity radiated, your encouragement motivated me. You’ve become a friend for life, so thank you for being here tonight. »
