By Dorothy J. Gentry
Sports Editor
Photos: Eva Gray Coleman and Dorothy J. Gentry
He’s the most beloved Dallas Mavericks player in the franchise’s 42-year-history.
He led the team to its only NBA championship and his loyalty to the franchise remains unparalleled – almost four years after retiring in 2019
He and wife Jessica still live in Dallas with their children and can be seen throughout the city at charity events, like his annual Tennis Classic which raises funds for area organizations.
Stars like Ben Stiller and Boris Kodjoe, and Mavericks players like star Luka Doncic, Dwight Powell and Maxi Kleber all came out last month to support and raise funds for those less fortunate.
He is a special adviser to the Mavericks and can be seen at team practices giving advice and at games cheering them on.
His #41 jersey was lifted into the rafters of American Airlines Center earlier this year with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver in attendance.
He’s a beloved athlete, family and community man and person.
And the wait is finally over.
To celebrate the legacy of Dirk Nowitzki, the Mavericks will unveil Nowitzki’s statue on Christmas Day, Dec. 25 at 11 a.m. The unveiling ceremony will take place at American Airlines Center South Plaza for invited guests.
Nowitzki Way will be closed to traffic, where the general public will have the opportunity to celebrate this landmark Maverick milestone. Fans in attendance for the Christmas Day game against the Los Angeles Lakers are encouraged to come early and watch the ceremony live from the jumbotron inside the arena when doors open at 10 a.m. A livestream of the ceremony will also be available on mavs.com.
“Dirk has done so much for the game and for our city,” said Mark Cuban. “And to show our appreciation, we want to ensure his legacy and his jump shot will forever be remembered in Dallas.”
Nowitzki is the only player in NBA history to play 21 seasons with the same franchise. In 1,522 total games, Nowitzki is the Mavericks’ all-time leader in points (31,560), games played (1,522), starts (1,460), minutes (51,368), rebounds (11,489), defensive rebounds (10,021), field goals made (11,169), 3-pointers made (1,982), free throws made (7,240) and blocks (1,281). As a 14-time All-Star and the first European-born player to be named MVP (2006 – 07), Nowitzki led the Dallas Mavericks to its first NBA Championship in 2011.
