The Smoking Cuban
FanSided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 8
Next

36. Dirk’s Heroes Celebrity baseball game

Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki takes the field prior to the start of the Heroes Celebrity Baseball Game at Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas, Saturday, June 29, 2013. (Michael Prengler/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/MCT via Getty Images)
Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki takes the field prior to the start of the Heroes Celebrity Baseball Game at Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas, Saturday, June 29, 2013. (Michael Prengler/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/MCT via Getty Images) /

For the past seven years Dirk Nowitzki has hosted a charity baseball game in Texas for the Heroes Foundation, a non-profit that helps adults and children with disabilities play sports. Every year some of the biggest names in professional sports join Dirk for this annual affair, and every year a huge crowd turns out.

Despite being hurt after having ankle surgery, Dirk still made an appearance in this year’s game, showing just how much this event means to him. Past and present players from the Dallas Cowboys always show up, as well as fellow Mavericks’ teammates. The out-pour of support from the community displays how beloved Dirk is in Dallas.

37. Like Mike cameo

Remember when Dirk had the funniest moment in Like Mike in 2002? Featuring Michael Finley and Steve Nash along with him, Dirk asks for an autograph for his niece from Bow Wow’s character. Only when Bow Wow asks what her name is Nowitzki replies, “uh, Dirk.” Definitely a scene-stealing moment in the movie.

38. Mid-game presentations

For those of you who have been able to watch Dirk play in-person inside of the AAC, you might recall those silly in-game presentations that most teams around the league do. It basically consists of dressing Dirk up in some sort of costume and making him read ridiculous lines, or sometimes even having him rap. Not every team can get their superstar to act like a fool on camera to air in the middle of a game at any moments notice.

39. Twitter jabs

If you don’t already follow Nowitzki on Twitter I suggest you do. When he’s not talking about soccer, Nowitzki is often cracking jokes at his teammates’, both past and present, expense. Here are just a few gems.

40. Returning for season No. 21

When Dirk signed a two-year $10 million deal in 2017, many thought he would hang it up after last season. That would have made him one of only two players, the other Kobe Bryant, to play 20 seasons with one team. My guess is he wants to break the record for season No. 21, but whatever the reason the fact that at age 40 Dirk will be entering his 21st season is something that Mavs fans have to appreciate.

As Dirk turns 40 today, June 19th, this was a chance to look back at 20 seasons of unforgettable memories both on an off the court that he provided to Mavericks fans everywhere.

Home/Mavs News