Dirk Nowitzki Dishes On Free Agency And More

In a recent interview with German sports website spox.com, Dallas Maverick forward Dirk Nowitzki talked about the disappointing start to free agency, roster moves and his future in Dallas. The Smoking Cuban has translated the interview, which can be found here.

In the interview, Dirk reveals what he thinks about the additions of Harrison Barnes, Andrew Bogut and Seth Curry. Nowitzki also talks about finishing his career in Dallas and gives his view on the rising salaries.

He understands Kevin Durant’s decision to join the Golden State Warriors, but says that was never an option for him even though there was interest from the Warriors. Lastly he has a few comments on Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schröder, who Dirk thinks is a three-point shot away from being an All-Star.

Dirk on…

…the rumors about the Warriors: I don’t know how that even came up, but apparently a team official from the Warriors said that they would be aggressive in free agency. In that context my name was mentioned, but I never said that I wanted to join Golden State. That is a non-issue for me.

…his future in the NBA: I have always said that I wanted to finish my career in Dallas. I’ve played 18 seasons now and it would be great to get to the 20-season-mark. Whether my contract will be over one, two or three years – those details are not fully negotiated yet. But we will find a way that works for both sides in any case. I will definitely finish my career in Dallas.

…the free agency of the Mavs: We had a good day on monday, but the first two days weren’t so great. Harrison Barnes has agreed to join us, we traded for Andrew Bogut and we signed Seth Curry. Now we’ll wait until the team is filled. Of course, I’ve already confirmed and I look forward to my last few years of playing on a high level. Now, our main concern is to get a few more guys. So far, I think the moves were solid.

…on Harrison Barnes: We expect more from Barnes than what he showed for Golden State. Sure, he only scored 11 points on average for the Warriors, but next to Curry and Thompson that’s normal. We hope that he can be a go-to-guy for us.

…on Andrew Bogut: You can alaway use a ‘thick guy’ nowadays. Somebody, who can set dirty screens and who can block a few shots. We had a couple good guys at center the last few years, but we also had some problems. I think Bogut fits in really well here. He is a good passer and I think he’ll be a lot of fun for us.

…on the rising salaries: The salaries are obviously utopian. The TV revenue rose enormously, but I see it this way: Instead of the owners getting everything, the players should get a piece of the pie as well.

For most people this is a bit too much money – for somebody throwing a ball into the hoop. But I’d rather see the money among the players than the owners, most of them are billionaires anyway.

…the hierarchy on the Mavs: If I cared about the hierarchy relating to the salaries, I wouldn’t have given up so much money the last few years. Last year the highest-paid guys were Wesley Matthews and Chandler Parsons, but the best players were actually Deron Williams and myself.

…on Kevin Durant’s decision: Every player has to decide for himself. Sure, the NBA didn’t want this situation, where a team can have three, four or five stars and just march to the title. But Kevin is all about winning. He was pretty close a few times and probably feels the pressure.

In OKC he had a really, really good team as well. Bottom line, he has to decide whats most important for his family and his sponsors. The market in Oakland is much bigger than in Oklahoma City, something like that plays a role.

Of course, him joining the Warriors were gigantic news for the NBA. I don’t think anybody foresaw him going there. But I don’t want to say that the Warriors will automatically win the title now. Every game has to be played first and a lot of things can happen. Obviously they have a very good chance now.

More from The Smoking Cuban

…on Dennis Schröder: Dennis and I communicate via text once in a while. It’s not like we go out to dinner every time we see each other, but I’m pleased that he has established himself in Atlanta. He’s a very confident guy, that helped.

Dennis has a coolness and composure on the court that you don’t see too often among young players. I’m glad that he’ll get more playing time and that he is a starter now. Hopefully he’ll be able to tap into his full potential and have a long career in Atlanta.

I do think that he can be an All-Star. He is super quick, his distribution is reminiscent of Rondo, he has long arms, can read the game and he has improved his shot. His will to drive to the basket is incredible, if he starts to hit the three-pointer as well, then I do think that he can be an All-Star.

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