Dirk Nowitzki (Image Credit: Getty Images)
Dallas Mavericks fans surely felt the absence of their legendary player, Dirk Nowitzki, last season when the Boston Celtics dashed their hopes for a second NBA trophy. Throughout his illustrious career, Nowitzki played a pivotal role in securing wins for the Mavericks, but his crowning achievement remains leading the team to its first and only NBA title.
Recently, in an interview with BasketNews, Nowitzki shared his dream 3×3 basketball lineup, and it’s as impressive as you’d expect. He selected a powerhouse trio featuring Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant for their abilities and the importance of size in the 3×3 format.
“I’m a big Michael Jordan fan. He was my hero growing up, my idol, so I’ve got to pick Michael Jordan. Can’t go wrong with LeBron. I love Kevin Durant because he can score inside, he can step out, he’s tall, he can guard,” Nowitzki said.
“In 3×3, size matters because there’s a lot of switching. Small guards will be a little tough in 3×3. So it’s gotta be bigger guys who can play and make plays for themselves. I’d have to say Michael Jordan, Kevin Durant, and LeBron; there’s tons of good players,” he added.
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Franz Wagner Honors Dirk Nowitzki After Germany’s Olympic Quarterfinal Win
Dirk Nowitzki’s influence on basketball extends beyond his legendary Dallas Mavericks career. His contributions were also pivotal in leading Germany to Olympic qualification in 2008. This legacy was on full display after Germany’s thrilling victory over Greece in the quarterfinals of the Paris 2024 Olympics, where Team Germany’s rising star, Franz Wagner, paid homage to Nowitzki.
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“I think I was seven when Dirk played in the Olympics, and I think we’ve come a long way, and that’s because of guys like him,” Wagner said.
With their quarterfinal win, Germany has advanced to the semifinals, where they are set to face off against France on Thursday. A spot in the gold medal game is now within reach, and Wagner and his teammates will be carrying the inspiration of Nowitzki’s legacy as they aim for Olympic glory.
