Dirk Werner Nowitzki is a renowned German professional basketball player who has been a cornerstone for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA) since his arrival in 1998.
Born on June 19, 1978, Nowitzki is a product of Röntgen Gymnasium and the DJK Würzburg basketball club. He was selected as the ninth overall pick in the 1998 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks, only to be traded to the Mavericks, where he has spent his entire 21-year career.
At 7 feet 0 inches (2.13 meters) tall, Nowitzki is a versatile power forward with the athleticism and shooting ability to play both center and small forward. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history, boasting an impressive array of accolades and records.
Throughout his illustrious career, Nowitzki has led the Mavericks to 12 consecutive NBA Playoffs from 2001 to 2012, including a franchise-first Finals appearance in 2006 and a championship victory in 2011. He is an 11-time NBA All-Star and a 12-time All-NBA Team member, making him the first European-born player to win the NBA Most Valuable Player Award.
Nowitzki holds numerous all-time franchise records with the Mavericks, including the distinction of being the first Maverick voted onto an All-NBA Team. He is also the only NBA player to achieve 100 blocks and 150 three-pointers in a single season, and one of only four players to average more than 25 points and 10 rebounds in the NBA playoffs.
In addition to his impressive individual statistics, Nowitzki has also recorded four consecutive 30-point, 15-rebound postseason games, a feat only matched by the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
