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40 moments to celebrate Dirk Nowitzki’s 40th birthday

By Jasmyn Wimbish

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 05: Dallas Mavericks Center Dirk Nowitzki (41) looks on before an NBA game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Clippers on February 5, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 05: Dallas Mavericks Center Dirk Nowitzki (41) looks on before an NBA game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Clippers on February 5, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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On the day that Dirk Nowitzki celebrates his 40th birthday, we take a look back at 40 of the best moments Dirk gave Mavericks fans around the world.

In no particular order these moments range from on-court achievements to Dirk’s best jabs on Twitter, and everything in between.

1. 1998 Nike Hoops Summit

Before Dirk Nowitzki put on a Dallas Mavericks jersey, he first garnered attention for his performance in the 1998 Nike Hoops Summit that pitted the best-of-the-best against each other in a USA vs. World format. In a game that featured Al Harrington and Rashard Lewis, Nowitzki became the starring attraction. Finishing with 33 points and 14 rebounds, Nowitzki also won the game’s MVP award.

2. Draft-night trade that started it all

Ah yes, the moment that Nowitzki’s journey began with Dallas. Of course we all know by now that although the Milwaukee Bucks drafted him at No. 9 he was eventually traded to the Dallas Mavericks during the 1998 NBA Draft. Not only was this a soon-to-be huge milestone for the Mavericks, but Dallas also managed to pull off a trade to secure Steve Nash from the Phoenix Suns. What a historic year for the franchise.

3. Second game of career

Although Nowitzki’s first game wasn’t exactly memorable, scoring only two points in 16 minutes, both of which were free throws. It was Dirk’s second game of the 1999 season that showed Mavericks fans what he could be. Scoring 16 points, grabbing 12 rebounds and shooting a phenomenal 60 percent from the field, Nowitzki led Dallas to his first career win.

4. Dirk & Steve Nash

PHOENIX – APRIL 6: Steve Nash #13 of the Phoenix Suns shakes hands with Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks during the t game at the US Airways Center April 6, 2008 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2008 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX – APRIL 6: Steve Nash #13 of the Phoenix Suns shakes hands with Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks during the t game at the US Airways Center April 6, 2008 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2008 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

It goes without saying that the trio of Dirk, Steve Nash and Michael Finley was a historic one for the Mavericks, but the chemistry between Dirk and Nash that developed on the court is arguably one of the best tandems in NBA history. Although the two never won a championship together, the stretch between the 2000/2001 season to the 2003/2004 season created a lot of memorable moments for Mavs fans everywhere.

5. Dunk over Vince Carter

Okay, so he didn’t completely posterize Vinsanity, but look at that footwork. The spin to shake Carter off and attack the rim with a rim-rattling dunk is an impressive move even for a young Nowitzki. Based on this dunk alone Dirk most definitely should’ve been a dunk contest contestant at some point in his career right?

Next: Dirk's greatest moments: 6-10

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