Dallas Mavericks: Dirk Nowitzki invited to be part of All-Star weekend

Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki has received an invitation to be part of the 3-point contest during All-Star weekend according to Marc Stein.

The Dallas Mavericks will have at least one participant during All-Star weekend 2019 in Charlotte. No, Dennis Smith Jr. will not make his second attempt at winning the dunk contest. No, Luka Doncic has not been named an All-Star yet. It is the legendary Dirk Nowitzki taking the spotlight.

The future Hall of Famer has not played enough to make the game, but Dirk has been invited to take part in the 3-point shooting contest as part of All-Star Saturday night on Feb. 16 according to Marc Stein. Nowitzki also becomes the first invite announced for any of the pregame events.

Not his first time

Dirk Nowitzki is no stranger to this competition. He first participated in 2000 or before Luka’s first birthday. Dirk competed five times in the event including winning the competition in 2006. Nowitzki is the only seven-footer to win the 3-point contest. His last appearance was in 2008, though.

Dirk is no stranger to the All-Star game either. The Mavericks GOAT has 13 appearances to his name that includes every season from 2002 to 2015.

More to come

Dirk will likely not be the only Dallas Mavericks player participating in All-Star weekend. Luka Doncic could still be named as a reserve to the All-Star game becoming the first rookie since 2011 to hold that honor. If not, both he and Dennis Smith Jr. are strong candidates for the Rising Stars game on Friday evening.

Doncic would also be fantastic in the Skills Challenge as part of All-Star Saturday night. Stay tuned as the participants for these entertaining events get announced in the coming days leading up to All-Star weekend 2019.

Final thoughts

Dallas Mavericks icon Dirk Nowitzki was invited to take part in the 3-point shooting contest at All-Star weekend.

Assuming Dirk accepts, that likely only becomes further evidence that the legend will be hanging up the sneakers after the season. He is in his 21st season with the Mavericks, and the 40-year-old is clearly not the same player as he works his way back from a significant ankle injury.

Mavs fans still cheer Nowitzki on every shot, though. The legend has earned that right. Personally, I am still hoping for improved health and another season with Dirk next to Luka as the Dallas Mavericks qualify for the playoffs. It may be wishful thinking, but it is the sendoff Dirk Nowitzki deserves to his Hall of Fame career.