The Top 5 Contributors to Dirk Nowitzki’s Success

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Oct 21, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks executive and former player Michael Finley and Phoenix Suns center Tyson Chandler during the second half at American Airlines Center. Phoenix won 99-87. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Michael Finley – with Dallas 1998-2005

Michael Finley was in Dallas the day that Dirk got drafted and was considered the big man on campus. The season prior to the 1998 NBA Draft, Finley was averaging 21.5 points per game along with 5.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists. Those are pretty solid numbers.

Then, Don Nelson and the Mavericks decided it was time for a change and brought in Dirk and Steve Nash. This youth movement brought two young players with miles worth of potential to be mentored by the soft-spoken, 4th year NBA player in Michael Finley.

Although I am not familiar with the relationship that Finley and Nowitzki shared, it is no secret that the team was Finley’s at the time and Dirk wanted it. Fin was not the kind of player that was going to be much of a vocal leader, but his abilities on the court and his constant desire to be better must have certainly rubbed off on Dirk during their 7 seasons together.

Dirk may not be able to attribute much of his success to Michael Finley, but as the leader of the first NBA roster that Dirk Nowitzki joined, Finley undoubtedly played a role in shaping Dirk’s view of the league and the stars of the league. For that reason, Michael Finley finds himself on this list.

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