5th January 2022 was the date selected by the Dallas basketball franchise, as they honoured Dirk Nowitzki – one of the greatest players in Mavericks history by retiring his famous jersey number 41
NBA has a great tradition of honouring the great players by retiring their jersey numbers worn for the franchise. It includes retiring a player’s jersey by raising it to the rafters. The retired jersey number will not be available to anyone else in the future with that franchise – a true mark of respect.
Many NBA Hall of fame players has their jersey number retired by their respective franchises. The latest one to add to this glory is Dallas Mavericks icon, Dirk Nowitzki. The German-born iconic basketball player has spent his whole career with the Mavericks wearing no 41.
Dirk Nowitzki is an NBA Champion and Finals MVP with the Mavericks. An ambassador for NBA’s 75th season, he is a 14-time NBA All-star, 3-time NBA 1st team, and 2007 NBA regular season MVP. He truly had a very decorated 21-year career.
Mavericks have already retired 3 different numbers, jersey number 12 worn by Derek Harper, jersey number 15 worn by Brad Davis, and jersey number 22 worn by Rolando Blackman. Now they have retired Dirk’s jersey.
Dirk Nowitzki career statistics
Nowitzki was drafted by Dallas in 1998 as the 9th overall pick. He became a regular starter in his 2nd year with the team and since then Dirk was an integral part of the franchise. Even now Dirk is a special adviser in Dallas.
Over the 21 years, Dirk averaged 20.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists for the Mavericks. His peak season was 2006 when he scored at a rate of nearly 27 points and grabbed 9 rebounds per game.
Dirk led the team to the 2011 NBA Championship, where he put on massive 27.7 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists performance, winning finals MVP in the process. His greatness can be understood from the fact that he is the only player to record at least 31,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, 3,000 assists, 1,000 steals, 1,000 blocks, and 1,000 three-point field goals in NBA history.
Nowitzki leads Mavericks in points, rebounds, games played, minutes played, 3 pointers made, and free throw made. He is second to Derek Harper only in steals and assists for the Mavs.
Dirk Jersey retirement ceremony
Dallas mavericks had a grand ceremony for the event. His former teammate and the Mavs current coach Jason Kidd, Peja Stojakovic, Bulter, etc were present for the ceremony, while other NBA stars congratulated him on social media.
The event was huge in Texas-style. Mavericks’ owner Mark Cuban unveiled a statue. Nowitzki had plenty of fans cheering for him in the ceremony.
On a lighter note, Jason Kidd offered Dirk a 10-day contract to play for the Mavs again, but Dirk opted out and now his jersey joins him in staying retired.
More NBA News:
Rudy Gobert, Ja Morant, and others: Western Conference Candidates for NBA All-Star 2022
NBA News: Josh Giddey of OKC is now the youngest to score a triple-double in NBA
Who else should Los Angeles Lakers move to save their season?
NBA praises LeBron James for reaching 36,000 points.
Follow our dedicated NBA page for more NBA articles and news updates
