Denver Nuggets vs. Dallas Mavericks: 3 Interesting Storylines

Dirk turned 40 this summer.

It seems like Dirk Nowitzki has been a fixture in Dallas for a hundred years.  When you think Mavericks, Dirk is the name that is most likely associated. How good has Dirk been?  He’s seventh on the all-time NBA scoring list and if he gets any minutes this year has a shot at passing Wilt Chamberlain for sixth.

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That good.

Sadly, Nowitzki has fought injury over the last two seasons, missing the first 26 games this season with an ankle injury.  He’s in the twilight but he still has that scoring touch.  Most importantly, you’d be hard-pressed to find a fan or player from any team that doesn’t like Dirk.  His smile, his dedication and his status as one of the first European players to genuinely elevate to elite player status are legendary.

Dirk’s list of accolades is absurd. We’ll link his Wikipedia page here if you want to admire the list. My favorite thing?  He’s one of the few that’s gone head-to-head with LeBron James in the NBA Finals and come out victorious.  The 2011 Mavericks run was really fun.

Like all good and fun things, Dirk will have to come to an end and it may be sooner rather than later.  For Nuggets fans that are occupying a different head space considering the success the team is currently enjoying, take a minute on Tuesday night to appreciate Dirk and all that he has brought to the game.

This may not be the last time we see the German big man but there can’t be too many more opportunities.  Savor them, someday it’ll be our own Euro big on a farewell tour.

So, while we celebrate “out with the old” we also have to recognize “in with the new”