Dallas Mavericks: Examining the future of Dirk Nowitzki

Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki got off to a slow start this season, but has since turned it around causing fans to ask if he returns for one last year.

Dallas Mavericks fans were extremely excited for this season. Luka Doncic came to Dallas in the draft. The Mavs added a whole slew of players that have a ton of potential to make some great things happen, and Dirk Nowitzki coming back for another year to add more milestones to his illustrious career.

Fans, however, wouldn’t see Dirk until later on in the season because of injuries. Once he returned, fans had to be ready and hoping that Nowitzki could still light it up.

Mavs fans know watching Dirk play when first returned from his summer surgery was tough. His motions seemed slow and his shot wasn’t falling. Nowitzki was never known for his defense, and every time he went up to contest or fell down, people would cringe.

Questions started to become answers that maybe this should be Dirk’s last year. That the legend should hang it up. There were talks that he was detrimental to the team’s success. Notions that Nowitzki is keeping other more deserving players from playing this season because it’s Dirk, so he has to play.

Changes during All-Star weekend

Then came the All-Star break. Dirk was honored during All-Star weekend by being a coach during the Rising Stars game. He also participated in the 3-point shootout and was on Team Giannis during the All-Star game where he scored 9 points by making all three of his 3-point attempts.

What fans also got to see was the playful side of Dirk that usually shines. This time it was more special because rookie sensation Luka Doncic joined in, and fans everywhere loved it! Here are the videos for fans to enjoy courtesy of the Mavs official Twitter.

Improved play since

Coming back from the break has done something magical for Dirk because there has been a rise in his scoring his last three games. Each time the legend has scored in double figures. Besides the returning game against Denver where he had three points, Dirk scored 15 against Utah, 12 against the Clippers, and 11 on Wednesday evening against the Pacers. Has Nowitzki found new life?

Also, the pairing of Dirk and Luka has created some lovable content. They’re like the father and son duo that we all want. With Dirk’s rise in scoring and the many moments, the question is can Dirk play another season?

On top of that, Kristaps Porzingis, obtained in a blockbuster trade, will play next season so just imagine how much fun it would be to have the German Wonder, Lukamania, and the Unicorn on the floor at the same time? Or even shooting some funny video? Fans would love it.

If Dirk can continue this style of play for the rest of the season, and Luka, Porzingis, and the Mavs staff can convince to give it another run, then he should definitely come back for a victory lap.

But again the choice is up to Dirk. He has constantly said he’ll see how things play out. If Nowitzki feels like he can still go then he’ll return. Either way, this is turning out to be a memorable season, and even better if Dirk Nowitzki can catch Wilt Chamberlain for sixth on the all-time scoring list.