Nowitzki officially announces retirement

After a touching retrospective of his career and the nostalgic chants of “M-V-P”, Dirk Nowitzki finally voiced what the basketball world has been presuming all season.

“Nowitzki addressed the packed American Airlines Center, saying, “As you might expect, this was my last home game.”

“Clearly, this is a profoundly emotional moment. There are just too many individuals to express my gratitude to. I’ve taken you all on a significant journey with numerous highs and lows, but your unwavering support has always been there. I truly value it.”

In a blink, the most outstanding player in the history of the Mavericks officially concluded a 21-year career destined for the Hall of Fame. Nowitzki, who started as an obscure foreign Draft prospect, eventually became an NBA champion and league MVP, revolutionizing basketball with his unique blend of height and shooting skills. He catapulted Dallas from obscurity to consistent contention and widespread recognition in the league.

Mavericks fans expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Nowitzki with a chant of “THANK YOU DIRK,” for all he’s done and more. This followed messages of respect and appreciation from NBA legends who were present, including Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, Scottie Pippen, Shawn Kemp, and fellow German Detlef Schrempf. They spoke in tribute to Nowitzki, who, in an old video, had named them as his idols while growing up in Germany.

“Nowitzki said, “MJ was the only one missing,” referring to Michael Jordan, the player he surpassed to become the oldest to score at least 30 in a game. “He was my No. 1. They brought Larry Legend. I was truly in shock and emotional when I saw all five of them.”

Nowitzki never disclosed his retirement plans as he was not interested in a farewell tour. However, he also mentioned that he only started seriously considering retirement when he faced problems with his lower body towards the end of the season.

The 14-time All-Star got the farewell treatment on the road anyway, with opposing fans chanting “We want Dirk” and giving him standing ovations, and LA Clippers coach Doc Rivers stopping a game, grabbing a public address microphone and honoring Nowitzki.

The season finale for Dallas is set to take place again on Wednesday night in San Antonio. Nowitzki admitted that he had given nearly everything he had in the last home game, but he still wished to make a few more jumps against what is likely the biggest rival of his career.

However, during Tuesday’s ceremony, owner Mark Cuban expressed nothing but admiration and affection for Nowitzki.

“Cuban said, “I can’t find the words to express what you’ve meant to this organization, but I can make numerous promises to you.”

I assure you that your job here is secure for life, no matter what you do. It’s a certainty that your number will be retired, an easy decision to make. Moreover, I promise you that we will erect the largest statue imaginable in your honour, placing it prominently in front of the arena.

Despite being surrounded by numerous legends, the night was dominated by Nowitzki, the sole player among them with over 30,000 career points. The 7-foot German, who has built this remarkable legacy, stated that his influence would linger in Dallas long after he retires from playing.

“Nowitzki declared, “This is my new home,” which was met with a thunderous applause. “I became a Texan over 20 years ago when I left Germany.”

Nowitzki admitted that he had experienced several emotional breakdowns in private since he recently decided to retire. This includes the day of his last home game when he was with his wife, Jessica Nowitzki, after donning the suit he wore to the arena.

The 2007 MVP and 2011 NBA Finals MVP of the league was also aware of the physical challenges he faced in the past two seasons. These included missing the first 26 games of his last season due to a protracted recovery from ankle surgery in April. Nowitzki experienced flare-ups in his feet and ankles towards the end of this season.

“Preparing every night at 40 is a significant effort, especially with the foot pain,” said Nowitzki. “It slightly diminished the joy I derived from the sport I love. That, in fact, made my decision easier.”

The foreign-born player with the highest score in NBA history has amassed 31,540 points, with one game still to play. This season, Nowitzki surpassed 10,000 defensive rebounds, a feat that had fans cheering wildly each time he scored, even in these moments.

The sole 7-footer who triumphed in the All-Star 3-point shooting contest was the pioneer player of his stature to genuinely pose a threat beyond the arc. All the eminent stars of the game concur that this aspect revolutionized the game, with numerous players imitating his unique one-legged fadeaway jumper – the shot he employed during his last home bucket in the concluding moments of the fourth quarter.

“Your aim was to make the game better than when you started, and you accomplished that,” Kemp stated in the postgame event. “You didn’t just bring a championship to Dallas, you yourself are a champion.”

Before his final farewell, he has one more game.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.