NBA Legends Explain How Good Dirk Nowitzki Was In His Prime

NBA Legends explain how good Dirk Nowitzki was in his prime. Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Shaq and Charles Barkley say that he is the goat of european NBA Players.
Dirk Nowitzki was born in Würzburg, Germany on June 19, 1978. He began his professional career with Würzburg DJK in the Bundesliga and then impressed NBA coaches and scouts with 33 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 steals at the 1998 Nike Hoop Summit. Consequently, Dirk became the ninth pick in the NBA draft, with an arranged trade that sent him from Milwaukee to Dallas.
Dirk owns multiple Mavericks franchise records, including career points, three-point field goals, free throws, rebounds, and points in a single game. He has led the Mavericks to many seasons of 50 or more wins and annual trips to the playoffs from 2001 through 2012.
In 2006-2007, the Mavericks won a franchise record 67 games, and Dirk earned NBA Most Valuable Player honors - the first European player to win this award. In 2011, Dirk and the Mavericks reached their highest achievement to date by defeating Oklahoma City, the Portland Trailblazers, and the Lakers to reach the NBA Finals where they defeated the Miami Heat 4-2. Dirk was named NBA Finals MVP.
Dirk is the highest-scoring foreign-born player in NBA-history, currently being ranked 6th in all-time scoring with more than 31,000 points.
In 2002, after leading Germany to the bronze medal in the FIBA World Championships, Dirk became Gazzetta dello Sport’s European Basketballer of the Year, an award he has won five times. Dirk was FIBA European Basketball Player of the Year in 2005, after helping Germany win the silver medal at the FIBA European Championships. Dirk lead the German basketball team to their first Olympics since the 1992 Summer Olympics.
On December 18, 2011, Nowitzki was named the 2011 German Sports Personality of the Year, the first basketball player to receive the award. On December 10, 2012, he became the first non-American player to receive the Naismith Legacy Award. Dirk Nowitzki is a German basketball player who is often regarded as one of the most talented players to emerge from Europe. He was born into an athletic family, and his unusual height made him choose basketball among other sports. He naturally flourished in the game. He joined ‘DJK Würzburg’ when he was just 16 and was later traded to the ‘Dallas Mavericks’ in the ‘National Basketball Association (NBA) draft.’ His association with the ‘Mavericks’ continues to remain strong even today. He holds the record of appearing for the most number of seasons (21) with the same club. In his career, he has won several ‘Most Valuable Player’ (MVP) awards. He became the first European to start in an ‘All-Star’ game. At the end of the season in 2018, he ranked sixth on the ‘NBA’ leading scorers list, with over 31,000 points. His signature jump shot has been spoken of highly by many other basketball players. Nowitzki’s popularity and consistency have earned him many awards, including the prestigious ‘Naismith Legacy Award’ in 2012. He also played regularly for his national team and helped Germany win the bronze medal in the 2002 ‘FIBA World Championship.’ Nowitzki’s inspiring career has been the subject of a book and a documentary that focused on his steady rise as a foreigner in the American basketball world. He remains one of the greatest basketball players currently active.
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[@AndyL8]

Dirk's championship year was one of the greatest performances in NBA history.

[@pablinkz]

He had one the best playoffs i have seen ever. They beat great teams also it was no cakewalk, they beat a young healthy OKC with Harden, Durant, and Westbrook. They destroyed the lakers, and easily beat a prime lebron, wade and bosh. He also was super clutch when it counted.

[@AnthonyHernandez-je1tx]

Forsholly, Dirk is a legend

[@scarykurapika100yago2]

Most overrated too.. Dallas was actually a championship contender that season.. Rockets in 95 was more impressive

[@finng1571]

@@scarykurapika100yago2 Contenders were: Miami an Lakers as frontrunners, San Antonio and the Boston beeing undoubtedly better as well. And also okc and chicago being at least equally as good. Dallas was hella old and everyone thought they are bad in playoofs. And he won against 3 Teams with a Top 10 all time player. The best playoff run ever

[@scarykurapika100yago2]

@@finng1571 lol did you even watch the 2011 season.. they were considered contenders even in the all-star break.. they only became underdogs cuz everyone hated Miami lol.. they almost got beat by Portland in the 1st round if Brandon Roy was only healthy..

[@marcusht7352]

Dirk is one of the best representatives for the NBA and the game of basketball as a whole. His career narrative is one of the greatest stories in NBA history and he is for sure top 20 all time.

[@user-ch4sh4ow6y]

Top 15 I say coz you need some fucking PF in the all time team. and the only PF I can put upon Dirk is Duncan (if Hakeem counts as my Center) and maybe the Mailman, although I'd give Dirk the ball in the last shot out of every PF in the history of basketball. Dirk was a BEAST offensively, one of the most difficult players to guard and he is criminally underrated. I can reallly put him somewhere between 14-16 of all-time.

[@koichihirose1185]

Oh shit wassup my brother from another mother

[@marcusht7352]

@@koichihirose1185 yea not much mate yourself?

[@koichihirose1185]

@@marcusht7352 i've had worse days, still kicking tho

[@marcusht7352]

@@koichihirose1185 that’s good to hear brah, I wish you the best in life

[@Schwartzer14]

Mavs 2011 One of the best, if not THE BEST playoff run ever ! 1st round against talented Blazers team with B-Roy and LMA 2nd round SWEEP against the back-to-back defending champions Lakers with Kobe Gasol Bynum Odom Artest + Phil Jackson WCF against Westbrook, Harden and Durant Young, but already very good and 3 future league MVPs And then the finals against the Miami superteam with Wade, Lebron and Bosh all in their prime All that with the second best scorer (Caron Butler) out for the season due to torn ACL on january 1st ! Never went to a game 7 Brilliant coaching Brilliant chemistry So much respect for that team...

[@dpruitt29]

Well documented! That fourth qtr run by the Mavs in game 2 of the finals was incredible.

[@BoyNamedTim]

hell yes my brotha! well-said. man I love Dirk.

[@Kermit_T_Frog]

Dirk was ALWAYS clutch. In the early years he was underutilized because Finley had to get his touches, but his playoffs stats were almost always outstanding. Only one of 9 players whose playoff stats exceeded their regular season stats. And the only one I see who was the first option on offense.

[@schmelzikasefaust8193]

As a German I had tears in my eyes when he won the title back then. His true achievement though in my eyes is his kindness and sportsmanship, always humble, polite & full of respect. 21 years in the NBA and being liked by everybody - thats is really something.

[@michaelrauch2179]

21 Jahre in ein und demselben Club. Und der Club ist nicht gerade das Maß aller Dinge. Das macht es für mich noch größer. Welcher Spieler spielt heute noch, in einer Sportart, in der man so verdammt reich werden kann, 21 Jahre bei ein und demselben Club. Ich glaube, das macht ihn noch zusätzlich beliebt. Nicht jeder liebt die Mavs, aber jeder liebt Loyalität.

[@seansimms8503]

Man Dirk can play, period...Mike Finely beat my school in the Illinois high school championship game in 1991 so of coursed I followed Finn to the league, man, him, Nash and Dirk was a hell of a sight on the TV, I followed Dirks entire career and I teared up myself when they 🏆 won, great dudes on that team and Dirk was the leader.

[@Skwiddd90]

His fade away was literally unguardable. One of the most clutch shooters ever too.

[@lylemorrison9811]

You cannot underestimate the love that the city of Dallas has for this guy. When the Mavs won the title, I wasn’t happy for me as a fan… I was thrilled for him. To persevere after 2006 and to win a title in 2011… it was magical. I can’t even type about the guy without tears of joy for him.

[@truthbetoldflexpodcast3989]

And they robbed us in 06..✊🏿✊🏿

[@MsAki83]

I agree. Dirk and I are around the same age and Dallas is home for me. I was in the AA Center when we won in 2011. It was a night I will never forget. I also went to the parade and celebration and as a collective, we were so happy for Dirk. Dallas will always have love for Dirk because he was loyal to us.

[@lylemorrison9811]

I wasn’t there in person when they won the championship, but I am thankful that I was there for his last game in San Antonio. Him and I are about the same age as well. It was amazing getting to grow into adulthood while following his career. I know that I’ll never feel this way about another athlete as the way I feel about Dirk

[@taylorriccelli4062]

Dirk was a beast! He was Lebron and the Miami Heat's worst nightmare. The Heat were heavy favorites to win the title that year until they ran into Dirk and the Mavericks. They got their ass kicked. Dirk's the man!

[@jasonmoukala8909]

Being favorites doesn’t mean shit

[@taylorriccelli4062]

@@jasonmoukala8909 you must not of been watching basketball in 2011 then. The Miami heat were the most hyped up and favored team ever. They were killing everyone all year. Then dirk made them look silly.

[@jasonmoukala8909]

@@taylorriccelli4062 look silly? Mavs won in 6 games

[@taylorriccelli4062]

@@jasonmoukala8909 I take it you didn't watch the finals then. LeBron got outplayed by Jason Terry a bench player. And they had no answer for dirk. This team was supposed to win 6 straight finals and they got their sss kicked in the first one.

[@jasonmoukala8909]

@@taylorriccelli4062 who says they were supposed to win 6 straight finals? Like who besides bulls have won 6 straight

[@MattyB8908]

I was grilling the night of game 6, 2011 NBA Finals, on a small grill that was only about 6 inches off the ground. By halftime I was done cooking and I left the grill outside my door to cool off. The game was so exciting, my dad was over so we were just cheering on our team to win, thinking nothing of the super hot coals in the grill. As soon as they won, and I mean RIGHT after, my dad and I were cheering when this guy starts banging on my door, yelling "your apartment is on fire!!" I rushed out and saw, and sure enough, the area around the grill had caught flame due to the heat. Thankfully it was a small fire and we put it out pretty quick, but it completely ruined the moment for us lol. I will never forget the run they had that year, and Dirk will always be my hero.

[@slanderman3296]

He was definitely a unique baller. Very very agile with his big frame. Had a super soft touch that not alot of big men had during then. Was a pioneer even, for big men AND for European ballers. He is an honorary native American in my eyes, plays the sport they helped create

[@travisnapier2693]

Lol basically the only euro players in the league were big men with a soft touch I don’t know if he pioneered that.

[@dabomb223]

@@travisnapier2693 because there's levels to this. Dirk's soft Touch is on a whole nother level. Dude shot 50 40 90 as a 7 footer and main option on his team. Especially back then that was unheard of

[@GABEMOORE533]

@@dabomb223 REAL TALK .>🎤

[@rapsack7058]

So true....he was one of the very rare players who could score realy from everywhere. You could give him the ball and he scores. And this 90% FTP is underratted, you dont want foul him.

[@teal2913]

but why aren't you bringing up one bad performance he had in man important series or game??? Isn't that what we do with players now? everyone always bringing up MJ 1-9 or Lebron 2011 or Curry 2016, etc. Why arent we over focusing on Dirks worst performances?

[@erwin021777]

Dirk would've had 2 rings had they not rigged the 06 finals. D. Wade was so untouchable after game 2.

[@pablinkz]

Sorry brother it was the Heats year, Wade was playing out of his mind that season. With the addition of Shaq and others the Mavs didn't have enough experience at the time, while the Heat had a few Hall of famers on that squad.

[@michaelmcgee2026]

I agree. The play that stood out to me most that series was when they called a foul on Dirk and in the replay he was clearly 3 feet away from Wade. I've never been a conspiracy theorist but the refs called that series in the Heats favor to the point it was shameful.

[@TruthOverFeelings745]

@@michaelmcgee2026 it was completely rigged, and I think I remember the play you are referring to.

[@dirknowitzki3891]

@@pablinkz Wade lived at the free throw line during the 06 finals....and instead of acknowledging how well his team played Wade questioned Dirks leadership.

[@vc5917]

@@michaelmcgee2026 even the nba ref who got caught making bets went on a podcast and said it was 100% rigged. Mark Cuban had a target in his back!

[@reusogoal237]

Eine absolute Legende, der beste Deutsche Spieler in der NBA Geschichte. Wahnsinn was er in Dallas aufgebaut hat und wieviel Rekorde er aufgestellte. Hut ab vor so einer Wahnsinns Leistung. Ob er nun Besser wie Larry Bird ist kann man schwer sagen. Sie haben leider nie gegeneinander gespielt und von den Meisterschaften ist Bird klar vorn. Dieser hatte aber auch wesentlich bessere Mitspieler gehabt als Dirk. Für mich sind es beides absolute Legenden und die besten Shooter in Ihrer Größe. Danke für die geile Zeit Dirk. 👏👋

[@SLAVISAA1981]

Bird war besser , Dirk war super aber Larry ist Larry von 1984 bis 86 MVP gegen eine riesige Konkurrenz Magic, kaream, M.malone, Olajuwon, isah Thomas und Und

[@capitanfuturo594]

Stop writing crap. Larry Bird was better than Dirk Nowitzky. But Dirk Nowitzky is a Top 20 player in all time in NBA history.

[@toddsands6000]

I admire Dirk Nowitzki's game. Dirk could score anywhere due to his length. If Dirk was surrounded with more team talent, he would have won multiple titles - at least 3. But it only takes one title to cement your legacy. I'm glad he has a ring.

[@voodoodiecast]

Yes, his ring weighs more than others thats for sure.

[@TruthOverFeelings745]

Dirk had very talented teams through out the 2000s. What put them over the hump was when they got a legit big man in Tyson Chandler who could rebound and lockdown the paint and experienced veterans (Kidd, Terry).

[@hikarumw8151]

His ring is 1000 times more valuable than KD's 2 rings.

[@orlandowilliamson691]

​@@TruthOverFeelings745nobody ever mention Tyson he was a force back then

[@toobasaurus23]

Durk's off foot post fade-away is up there with Kareem's sky hook as one of the most unguardable moves in basketball. Plus he was a one team guy. Even taking less money in his later years to stay with Dallas.

[@darioja2469]

Larry’s confidence and roasting other players alone is enough to put him in top5 all time. I love Dirk, but he is not Larry Bird.

[@Liam11433]

Couldn’t agree more. We all love Dirk but Bird was that guy. Personally he’s top 3

[@coreyh7323]

Yea this vid is just to recognize Dirk, but no way place him higher than Bird. Bird was up there with Jordan.

[@flachzange1980]

Because of the roasting he is top 5...ok

[@johnruggiero4205]

Dirk was solid and a great shooter, but had NO physical game. He couldn’t really use his height and length except to shoot jumpers.

[@Liam11433]

@@flachzange1980 No, because Larry Bird would dominate you while trash talking every single player on the team (including coaches) and there was nothing anyone could do about it

[@Aoughi]

There is no better or worse in the legendary category. They are just legends.

[@jamesw.t.9591]

His 2011 season championship run was oe of the best in nba history. and 15 point comback in 4th Q with7-8 minutes left was one of the best.

[@crazychatot5788]

He's the Mavericks GOAT

[@vc5917]

Some people had the nerve to crown Luka after a few 1st round exits.

[@triplejudy]

Dirk revolutionized the game for the big man ... full stop !!

[@jaydubya3698]

You know you're a legend when there's a move or shot that your peers in the league characterize as iconic and unstoppable... Kareem's Sky hook; The Doctor and Gervin's Finger roll; The Dream Shake; Curry's Trey Ball; Duncan's Bank Off the Glass; Iverson's Cross Over; Stockton/Malone Pick and Roll; and, of course, Dirk's Knee-Up-Step-Back.

[@alexpate8626]

And Wilt Chamberlain’s...Wilt Chamberlain. The only basketball move that was also a human. Mavs fan here no disrespect. I remember how much flack Dirk took for being soft no matter what he did. It’s good seeing the respect he earned. Took a hall of fame career to get it

[@amorpatriaenostralex3822]

Great person, great character, great player and amazing leader! One of the best of all times!

[@baopham8676]

Much respect to players like Dirk, Giannis & Hakeem. They won championship with little help. It was very impressive to see Dirk take down a stack Miami Heat team in the finals

[@Caronte4116]

Since his 2nd or 3rd year I was a truly fan of his game. After 2006 I was "scared" of Dirk becoming one of those players who never won a ring. Glad I saw 2011 series. That was epic. Never felt a better deserved championship against THOSE teams more than with Dirk, having in mind he got none at that point. Malone/Stockton never got one, which is like "something's wrong with this game", but life sometimes is not fair.

[@LBJordan1]

Always had great respect for Dirk, kinda wish Nash stayed with him in Dallas to see what those two could do

[@markhobbs5011]

What they have to say about Dirk Nowitzki is so true I remember in 2002 going to see the Sixers play against Dallas Iverson wasn't there but Dirk Nowitzki look over that game truth be told they're not lying the man is incredible and he's hard to stop at any given moment

[@joshuawhite3901]

Love this, My favorite player(he played for my team). Also the first time seeing most of these clips of other legends praising him.

[@gatorunleashed275]

Without a doubt one of the best to ever step on the court. I can easily agree one of the top 25 of all time, having watched the game with passion since 1980. Great stuff love this channel.

[@wc4201]

Bird is closer to Jordan than Dirk is to Bird.

[@oftheone1856]

Luka Doncic is more the total/all purpose player, like Jordan was, than Bird or Nowitzki ever were.

[@armandr1613]

🤣🤣🤣 I like how you used Scalz line for this...

[@ziginaigra]

@@oftheone1856 bird was much better defender than luka,and scorer and rebounder and passer:)

[@wc4201]

@@oftheone1856 Luka couldn’t hold birds jock. Bird is a better defender, rebounder, passer, decision maker and scorer than Luka. Luka is a better shooter from deep (debatable) but otherwise Bird is by far the superior player. The 78-79 Celtics were 29-53 then they drafted bird and in 79-80 they went 61-21 and made it to the ECF… the difference was Larry Bird. Don’t kid yourself, Bird was the total package.

[@oftheone1856]

@@wc4201 haha Luka literally outscored and out-assisted Bird when comparing them in their rookie years. Bird grew up in a country with a huge basketball culture, whereas Luka had to get good playing against lesser quality players. Better scorer,hahah

[@stephenmcdonald9164]

my favourite championship team/run of all time. Swept last years champs in the second round, 4-1 over a rising KD/Westbrook/Harden and the big comeback over the "not 1, not 2, not 3, not 4" Heat.. and I'm a Raptors fan too by the way haha

[@saj9814]

Same here. Considering the line-up as compared to their competitors that time.

[@dynamic6645]

and then they got swept by a bunch of babies in the 2012 playoffs, hahaha shame

[@norjihads.4144]

@@saj9814 and without their 2nd best scorer that season also in Caron Butler if Im not mistaken

[@CM22ENT]

I love this channel as somebody who has been an NBA fan for a little over 6 years. As somebody who constantly seeks the knowledge you get to see a bit of context on this channel which to me at least is always important when finding information. Big up👊🏾

[@benjaminb2202]

His qualities on the court were without a doubt amazing, what really stood out to me was everything he did off the court. By far my favorite sportsman.

[@therenewedpoet4292]

Watched him win his ring in an empty Pizza Hut. My buddy and I didn’t want to drive home and miss any of it

[@jpmtlhead39]

Loyalty is One of the Greatest Virtues of a "Man",and one of the rarest. Dirk Nowitzki is one of the Greatest Examples of what a Real Champion and Great Man can achive by being Loyal to his team above all the rest. His Loyalty to Dallas is one of the Great "Love" stories in Sports History. Not even Money could bought this Great human being allegience to the ones who helped him to became who he is today. A Legend of the NBA and of the basketball World. A one of a kind Genuinely Good Man. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@Steve-gg3fn]

Great video loved hear the opinions of other pro basketball players giving their take on Dirk. He was so fun to watch and though not pretty that fadeaway was unstoppable. 👍

[@Steve-gg3fn]

Great video loved here the opinions of other pro basketball players giving their take on Dirk. He was so fun to watch and though not pretty that fadeaway was unstoppable. 👍

[@sevenonsunday3968]

He was a true baller! He changed the game forever, and did it his way!

[@triblex305]

One of if not the greatest Sportman my country has ever produced I'd say. He always seems like a great guy and his championship is probably one of the best championships the nba has ever seen. He also did a lot for basketball not just in the nba with his one legged fadeaway but also in germany.

[@vikotto]

I love him because he was humble, wasn’t money hungry, didn’t have tattoos and wasn’t a showboat.

[@steppengras2257]

It was about time, Sean-David, to show some love to Dirk. It's a shame Dirk is so rarely featured on KZbin for a player of his significance.

[@paigapatesongpon]

Thanks for the great content yet again, Sean 👍

[@alexanderpopov4691]

His playoff run in 2011 was simply unbelievable.

[@GottaBeMurph-V2]

Shoutout D-Wade for guarding Dirk, those mismatches were killing them. Dirk had that flamethrower set on straight fire. GG.

[@neverendingstory8379]

Dirks loyalty is what makes him special 😊

[@patrickamtman4004]

Another one hit out the park per usual way to go sean keep it up👍👍👍

[@TheBigdan217]

Dirk was fucking amazing, I forever be a fan of his

[@rareporridge1329]

Dirk was the best EUROPEAN player so far, and had heart, but Larry was a LION, and I’m fans of both and their teams

[@purplepanther3585]

I think the only difference is and why in MY OPINION dirk is better dirk did better with worse he nvr had half the help Larry did

[@-ac-8296]

@@purplepanther3585 the only reason why Bird's help was so good is because Bird made them that good

[@purplepanther3585]

@@-ac-8296 not true at all lol Kevin Mchale is one of the best post players ever and parish was a great scorer and the Celtics had great bench depth with people like Danny Ange ect

[@-ac-8296]

@@purplepanther3585 is true, those guys would be nothing without bird

[@emmapeel38]

@@-ac-8296 You're right! The argument that we're supposed to penalize Bird because of his teammates is asinine. Take Parish for instance, he was basically Joe Barry Caroll in Golden State before Joe Barry Caroll! Parish "barely cared" then. McHale is severely underrated/underappreciated, but he was in the perfect situation, as was Parish. It's not a one way deal either, where Bird is all greedy, and cuts into everyone else's production. He's like Nash, and Bill Russell, in that his being on the court elevates the rest of them team; Supersized Fries! He didn't cut into how great they could be. Few players have that ability btw. Even Jordan had that too, in his own way, but people will never think that because they focus too much on his high scoring; overlooking his off-of-the-ball greatness. Guys can rack up assists, but they don't necessarily unlock the rest of their teammates to play to their strengths. Dirk's great, but he's not one of those guys. Literally no one is. And let's not pretend that Dirk was saddled with horrible line-ups throughout his career. I can think of the '00s, when Cuban was throwing money to get anyone out there. That '03-'04 line-up - at the time - was very talented. The MAVS winning, was also a lot to do with the HEAT (and LeBron) laying an egg. Nevertheless, they won, they deserved to win, Dirk deserved to win, etc. He's not on Bird's level.

[@TheDukeOfDallas]

Nothings warms my heart more than thinking of when Dirk and the Old Man Crew, also known as the Dallas Mavericks at that time, wrecked LeBron and his "super-team."

[@mattgilbert5850]

Yes, Dirk Nowitski was truly a great figure in NBA history... He is great human being as well. How often does an All-Star and future HOF consistently agree to be paid a lesser salary than most of the teammates he played with in order to help the team sign other players to improve the team overall? For a celebrity Dirk is the most humble of athletes without question. You don't hear negative comments from rivals he played against. He is very well respected and will always be an icon here in Dallas.

[@vanhattfield8292]

Dirk is right up there with Larry as a shooter but in addition to being one of the all time great shooters, Larry's defense, passing and leadership on the court are what make hime one of the greatest ever. That is not taking anything away from Dirk's greatness, Larry was like Jordan, Magic and a handful of others who were on a different level.

[@justinwebb4128]

Legendary player but his loyalty will never be seen again buy a true Superstar. The best players these days go somewhere else and join someone else, he stayed in one place and brought a championship to Dallas. Loved watching him play, good video

[@kevindurant2755]

Dirk is one of my favorite players ever I wear his number and I have tried to model my game after him as well I can can’t imagine what it would have been like to try and guard him 😂

[@travisnapier2693]

It’s not hard to imagine. You’re gonna jump as high as you can, try and block his shot, then his leg kicks out and the balls 4 feet above you.

[@synthiawilson941]

Respect,definitely no comparison/all have different set of particular skills,blessings to all playing/retired

[@johnnyboyspero5470]

Anyone that would have to even think about this never watched Legend. Shame he busted back cause we missed out on at least 5 excellent seasons. Love Dirk and a great all around player and game changer. Love that Dallas beat Heat. Reggie Miller said it perfectly

[@Entenluc]

They are so many Legend's. And Legend's stand alone. Nobody was better than another.

[@averyce2]

Without question Dirk is the best euro-balla in this century. Great video Sean!!

[@dsmith2420]

And yet it’s possible in 5-10 years he might not even be the best Euro to play for his own franchise. But im not sure Luka could do anything to be more beloved in Dallas. Dirk will always be #1 because he was an even better person. And the odds anybody stays with one team for 21 years are almost zero.

[@dustinbarlow1623]

@@dsmith2420 Lets be honest Dallas put talent around Dirk half way through his career. Jet, Kidd, Marion, Chandler, Stevenson, Peja, Nash, Monta Ellis, Vince Carter. Dallas has failed to do the same for Luka. If Luka just had one decent guy he could count on the Mavs would be a 3 seed.

[@clevisbernier8973]

You get a dislike for the thumbnail saying "Is he better than Larry Bird"

[@Randomperson-zt3il]

I like your set up in the background with the jersey’s hanging up! I might do that if I do those type of camera shots on my vids

[@alxndr124]

Thanks BTM for providing great old school 🏀.

[@booJay]

What makes Dirk's lone championship so special was the level of difficulty. He did it as the only superstar, taking down team after team that had multiple All-Stars and HOF'ers that were still in their prime. No one else in the league, past or present, could make the same claim.

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

Giannis might be

[@booJay]

@@catherinelynnfraser2001 cough...Khris Middleton...cough

[@smokymcpot5917]

It sucks getting old. It really sucks watching your favorite athletes get old. Much respect to all that have dominated their sport then had to retire from what they love most.

[@jimmyheathmusic3779]

Maybe the greatest playoff run I have ever seen. Class act. We love Dirk in Dallas.

[@honigdachs]

I can watch Dirk videos all day ... 41Forever

[@GabrielRodriguez-wh5ce]

Dirk was different one of the best bags ever could score from literally everywhere, shifty for a big, and one of the biggest influences for European basketball.

[@Invader-tz3ze]

Ich liebe deine Videos ❤️ du bist der beste 👍

[@ARandomSaltine]

I am a sports fan who has live my entire live in dallas. Born in 92 I didn't witness the Cowboys triplets... i didnt really latch on to hockey till after the stars title in I believe 99'... but I was 18 when the Mavs won that title. Mind you my father is from boston and I was told I had to become a Red Sox fan. Lol that title means more to me than any of the Sox titles during my lifetime. He is the ultimate and most important Dallas sports icon in the history of the city. It really is no contest. 2011 was one of the single greatest playoff performances for a single player in NBA history. HOF. The dallas GOAT with just one name. One name and you know who it is. DIRK

[@jimmyjam1710]

It all comes down to the age of the person you ask. For me as good as dirk was Larry Legend was a different animal

[@oldmanballer5088]

People that actually saw both play know Bird is an unfair comparison for Dirk. I’m a fan of both but they are two different beast

[@countfloydschillerhorrorth2090]

I wouldn't say Dirk is the most humble guy ever. but as far as Rich Superstar Athletes in the West go, I certainly wouldn't be surprised if he isn't the most humble there has ever been.

[@aaronburn1992]

Watching Dirk drive to the basket was always amazing

[@guysmith9353]

I love this channel!

[@MichalBernath]

First time here, great video. Never knew Derek Fisher had a youtube channel.

[@1k990]

One of a kind. Wow!!

[@davidcallaham60]

Dirk was really great but Bird was Way more diverse record speaks for itself

[@sskingdom7181]

best PF of alltime 🐐

[@endbfududb]

I remember this group of kids in middle school around 2001-2002, they were huge hoop heads. Every morning that year during the season I kept hearing "Dirk be ballin man" not really knowing who they were talking about.

[@shockinghonesty3971]

Better than Larry Bird? No definitely not but Larry Bird is hands down one of the greatest of all time. Dirk was a beast though!!

[@nicolachita261]

Dirk is top 20-25, Bird is top 5

[@targetservicer2221]

Absolutely,positively,without question,Dirk couldn't begin to be the player Bird was.

[@wunderkid8749]

Ppl don't know, Dirk was dunking hard in the basket! Man mostly in the mid 2000s. My favourite player ! IMO i put him behind Tim Duncan but in front KG and Malone !

[@ShinHyeX]

Forever 41 my LEGEND

[@david.p240]

I still get goosebumps thinking about 2010 playoffs Dirk

[@fustler77]

Fun Dirk fact: He'd sometimes show up to a home game with some his wife's leftovers in a generic container in a plastic bag despite how it appeared. Humility is an increasingly rare, and valuable quality today's NBA sorely needs more of.

[@legendedie1]

Dirkules😍❤️

[@robertcullen7042]

First few seasons Dirk hung around the 3 point line. He developed one hell of a post game. He roasted Ibaka in the 11 WCF.

[@QueenPH23]

Dirk's fighting spirit in every game such insane

[@Horgor]

Dirk humanity ❤

[@dynamicvoltage9765]

Glad they mentioned how DIrk changed the game. People keep saying Steph Curry changed the game. How? He's a guard that shoots 3's. That's what guards have always done. Now EVERYONE shoots 3's and that's all from Dirk. He molded today's NBA entirely.

[@mlxndr7]

that intro slaps... feels like i´m in 80s NYC or something 🔥

[@sammysam2615]

Like so many greats, if you didn't watch this man play and youtube clips do not count, you've missed out on a player that was in a league of his own.

[@GetsumJ]

I always look back to the Cousey, Archibald, and Chamberlin days. No 3pt line, no lane violations, the game was different. Those days hands down belong to Magic and Bird. So could Dirk play against those guys? Yes, and hold his own. And I give props to Kobe as well because he would also be good back then. Could LeBron? No, not a chance. Nor could the majority of the players today. Few players would survive the game back then. Dirk, Robinson, Duncan, could run with Bird, Magic and Maravich.

[@iwishiwasthomasshelby]

Agreed. He flips and complains about touch fouls so much… imagine getting slammed like Jordan. He’d be what Ricky Davis was in the 2000s because he’s mentally soft.

[@julianmarsh1378]

@@iwishiwasthomasshelby While I agree with your assessments it is unfair to say Lebron couldn't hold his own in the old days...initially, no. Doesn't mean he wouldn't have toughened up--something no one can know for sure one way or the other.

[@iwishiwasthomasshelby]

@@julianmarsh1378 he’s a cry baby. I’ve seen many in the army. These recruits never hold up. I know one when i see one.

[@rikisigalingging3002]

Not Lebron. Not Kobe. Not Shaq. Dirk is the reason why i started watching basketball. He is the game changer. Underrated PF. Glad to see he won championship once. He deserves it. #Swish41

[@turbotravis2323]

As somebody from the Fort Worth area, can confirm that Dirk Nowitzki is considered a hero around these parts.

[@1KONTRA]

Top 5 PF of all time

[@aditya.gurung24]

Dirk is very underrated. One of the best 4s.

[@gamoltv1989]

I sub because your content is Dirk

[@markurquico5355]

Dirk is unique

[@hyperrat12]

I personally as a mavs fan will send bias, but if you are one of the players to absolutely change the entire game, you deserve to go down as one of the top 10 greatest, especially when you're the top six scores of all time.

[@adonissantos2748]

Larry Bird mad 5 times 2nd defensively What Do Dirk fans think about Dirk Defensively

[@MsTruebi]

I think Dirk was also the main reason for the change of Lebron´s playoff game after 2011. The sting that D-Wade gave Dirk in 2006, Dirk forwarded that (no pun) to Lebron and that ultimately unlocked Playoff-Lebron.

[@frankmaliano]

You should make a list of your top 25 players of all time and talk about it.

[@JoePesciVSBillyBatts]

There's NOOOOO way Dirk is better than Bird. He's at least two levels below. Bird was a great rebounder, great passer, scorer, clutch player. I mean, Dirk as awesome and had one of the greatest run of all time in 2011, but you can't compare with the generational change Bird was. Bird's top 10 in my book, DIrk's between 18-25...

[@cyber6sapien]

Dirk Nowitzki beat the San Antonio Spurs in the playoffs in 2006 a year before the Spurs won the NBA Title. And he did it without another All Star or future Hall of Famer on his team. That is something neither Kobe nor LeBron ever acheived. And then there was that 2011 title run. . .

[@trevb2311]

Whether he had another all star is irrelevant, I remember watching that 2006 series and dirks teammates played extremely well. For Tim Duncan to dominate the way that he did and still lose is a testament to not only how well dirk played but how well his teammates played to offset Tim’s play