Dirk Nowitzki has had a record-breaking NBA career as one of the greatest scorers and power forwards in league history and the best player to ever come from Europe.
He is apparently planning on making some more history.
Dirk is planning to return for his 21st season with the Mavericks in 2018-19, which will set a new record for the most seasons for an NBA player with one team in NBA history, passing Kobe Bryant’s current mark of 20.
Here is what he told Marc Stein of the New York Times:
“As of now, I’m planning to come back,” said Nowitzki, who turns 40 on June 19. “I feel great. I’ve only missed one game all season. I signed a two-year contract because I wanted to play two more years. And here we are.”
Nowitzki turns 40 on June 19. He has been pretty healthy this season, appearing in all but one game thus far, and he seems to be mentally committed to the preparation that it takes to be physically ready for the grind of the NBA game at this stage of his career.
He is still averaging 12.1 points and 5.7 rebounds per game while shooting 46% from the field and 41% from three-point range, which make him a dangerous offensive player 20 years in, even if he is a big minus defensively.
Getting a full season to appreciate Dirk and his incredible career in 2018-19 is a gift and something that basketball fans should and will cherish in every city across the country.
Who knows, maybe they actually land a free agent and an impact rookie to make a run at a playoff spot next season.
