(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Dirk Nowitzki had a huge impact on not just the Dallas Mavericks, but the entire NBA.
Years after his retirement, there are Mavericks players who still celebrate Nowitzki and think about all he did for the team.
Speaking to Noah Weber on Thursday night, Kyrie Irving spoke about Nowitzki and his incredible influence.
“He created a culture of championship winning…I look at Dirk as someone who I can always go to if I need some resources or advice…The respect and the love that I have for him is unconditional,” Irving said.
I asked Kyrie Irving about Dirk Nowitzki:
“He created a culture of championship winning…I look at Dirk as someone who I can always go to if I need some resources or advice…The respect and the love that I have for him is unconditional.”
Calls himself a “little brother” to Dirk pic.twitter.com/Akb9xGtJAM
— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) April 5, 2024
Nowitzki played for 21 years in the league, spending all those seasons with the Mavericks.
During that time, he earned 14 All-Star selections, MVP, Finals MVP, a championship, and a spot in the Hall of Fame and on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
Beyond that, Nowitzki also crafted a “culture of championship winning,” according to Irving.
He certainly did transform the team and make them a true force in the Western Conference.
However, since the 2011 Finals, the Mavericks haven’t been able to win a championship and have struggled at times.
Last season was a prime example of that, as the team didn’t qualify for the playoffs.
This year, things are very different and the Mavericks are the fifth team in their conference.
Irving is a huge part of the team’s success this year, averaging 25.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists on 49.4% from the floor and 41.3% from the three-point line.
The team clearly has some premium talent but they also have a winning culture.
That is likely due to several factors, including Irving, Luka Doncic, and head coach Jason Kidd.
But Irving says that Nowitzki’s impact is still a huge part of why the team is doing well all these years later.
The post Kyrie Irving Shows Love To Mavericks Legend appeared first on The Cold Wire.