“ With Dirk, there are so many stories to tell. » Assistant coach at the Mavs between 2014 and 2020, Jamahl Mosley was one of the witnesses of the last part of the club legend’s career, Dirk Nowitzkiretired since 2019. And the neo-Hall of Famer had a big impact on the current Magic coach.
“ Over the years, we became good friends. I coached against him earlier in Denver and Cleveland (as an assistant), and after that we were in the same gym. What stood out most was his consistent work ethic. He felt like he never did enough. He was always the first in the gym and stayed late, working on his game until he hit a certain number of shots. “, describes the Florida technician.
The latter thus saw him at work with his personal coach and mentor, Holger Geschwindner. “ I would sit and watch Dirk and the legendary Holger Geschwindner do their routine without saying a word. Holger pointed at something, Dirk moved, they followed different cadences. It was beautiful to watch “.
Although considered unorthodox, his methods largely contributed to the exceptional career of the 2007 MVP and were praised by many of the league’s protagonists.
“ Holger is a brilliant man when it comes to shooting. I don’t think there’s anyone in the world I’d recommend more than him when it comes to shooting. “, said Rick Carlisle in 2015, for example, while Rajon Rondo, during his short freelance stint in Dallas, began to be advised by Dirk Nowitzki’s guru.
Beyond the work ethic, the Magic coach has not forgotten the human qualities of the German giant. “ I’ve never seen Dirk refuse an autograph or a photo with anyone. The humility he possesses as an individual, and what he gives in return, there is so much to say about the player and the man », Judge Jamahl Mosley who undoubtedly appreciated the modesty shown by Dirk Nowitzki during his induction into the Hall of Fame.
