The Top 5 Contributors to Dirk Nowitzki’s Success

3 of 6

Mar 13, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) and guard Devin Harris (20) fire up the crowd during the second half against the Los Angeles Clippers at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Clippers 129-99. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Devin Harris – with Dallas 2004-08, 2013-17

The Dallas Mavericks really hit their glory years as a franchise about the same time they let one of the best players around go in summer free agency. Yes, it’s true, right about the time Steve Nash took off for the hot sun of Phoenix, Dirk came into his own and truly became the Dirk that the league knows now.

Dallas Mavericks

Part of the transition that put Nowitzki in the limelight had to do with Nash’s replacement, a rookie from the University of Wisconsin. Devin Harris may not have been the premier point guard coming into the league, but as the 5th overall pick of the draft, he definitely had an upside.

I am not so sure that Devin was the answer to Dirk’s prayers as a replacement for Nash, but he really did push Dirk into excellence. From the years 2004-08, Nowitzki averaged over 25 points per game, more than 9 rebounds per contest, and 79 games per season.

Dirk accomplished some of the most important feats of his career during this time span as well. In the 2005-06 season, Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavericks appeared in their first NBA Finals against the Miami Heat. In the 2006-07 season, Dirk was named league MVP. Nowitzki was named to the All-Star game each year and was a starter for the 2007 All-Star Game.

Devin Harris was with him through all of these milestones and even assisted Dirk on his basket to snag 30,000. He may not be the big name we had in others here, but there is no doubt he played a pivotal role in Dirk Nowitzki’s career.

Next: Jason Terry