Judging from last nights game winner at MSG Dirk Nowitzki is still a major force to be reckoned with in the NBA. Last year Dirk scored 17.3ppg, the lowest since his rookie year. This year he upped his scoring average back to 21.7ppg. His overall production is still consistent. He's shot a career high 91% from the stripe while pulling in 6rpg and 2.9apg.
Rewind back to the 1998-99 season. Yes Knick fans the same season you nearly received the key to the city alongside the Yankees. Dirk lacked confidence as a rookie. He averaged 8.2ppg and 3.4 rebounds per contest. He thought it was a bad decision to come to the NBA so early and apparently Dallas Maverick fans felt the same way. Dirk was often booed during his rookie season.
Fast forward to the 2005-06 western conference semi's. The Mavericks forced the defending champs to a game seven on their home court. Trailing by three with less than 60 seconds remaining, the onus fell on Dirk's shoulders. As the teams leader and the sole reason the Mavericks were even relevant during the 2000's Dirk would have the ball in his hands no matter what. At this point Dirk was known as a sniper from downtown, capable of pulling up at any point past half court. Everyone in the building expected Dirk to shoot a three and have a great shot at making it. Dirk did exactly the opposite. He received the ball at the top of the key. He then proceeded to pump fake, get his man off balance and drive to the basket for the three point play. Dallas would knock off the defending champs on their home court. They would make it all the way to the NBA finals only to lose to Dwayne Wade and the Miami Heat. This was Dirks message to Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, Amar'e Stoudemire and any other big man who viewed Dirk as just a shooter.
Fast forward once again to the 2010-11 NBA finals. The Miami Heat handle Dallas pretty easily in game one of the championship round. Down the stretch in game two Wade poses after knocking down a corner jumper giving Miami a comfortable lead in the third quarter. Apparently Miami thought they had Dirk's number. Wade and LeBron James even went as far as to mock Dirk who was suffering from a cold at the time. Big mistake, this time Dirk would have the last laugh. LeBron was obviously still uncomfortable playing on the biggest stage. Dallas would go on to capture the NBA title and celebrate that same night in South Beach.
Dirk's averaged 22.6ppg during his 16 year career. Like Steve Nash Dirk is close to averaging the shooters triple crown for his entire career. Nash is a 6 foot guard. Dirk is a 6"11 forward/center. Needless to say its a bit more impressive of an accomplishment on Dirk's behalf.
Is Dirk the greatest shooter to ever play in the NBA? Reggie Miller, Chris Mullin, Larry Bird or Ray Allen may beg to differ.
Dirk has gotten better almost every year during his career. He is a tireless worker and historically underrated. Dirk Nowitzki is one of the greatest big men to ever play in the NBA. Respect Dirk!
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