Dallas Mavericks: Dario Saric calls Dirk Nowitzki his idol

Dallas Mavericks GOAT Dirk Nowitzki received some high praise from Suns forward Dario Saric. See what he had to say here.

The Dallas Mavericks have celebrated Dirk Nowitzki this week. It was the anniversary of his final two NBA games. The whirlwind back-to-back saw Dirk honored by both the Mavs and Spurs. The legend also dropped 50 points and announced his retirement on the floor after his final home game.

It was an emotional time for Mavericks fans. The end of an era. It easy to forget that they had a ten-year playoff drought until Dirk led Dallas back in 2001. That began an incredible run where the Mavs were a postseason fixture. 15 of 16 years in the playoffs. Two NBA Finals appearances and winning the title in 2011. Nowitzki was the superstar behind all of that.

Dirk deserves to be honored. It was amazing to go back and watch his memorable final games again this week. The Mavericks should make it an annual tradition. 41.21.1 will be a night that supporters never forget.

Saric on Dirk

Suns forward Dario Saric took over the NBA’s Twitter for a question and answer session with fans this week. He heaped some massive praise on Nowitzki. Hear what he had to say below.

https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1247981804109389824

Saric brings up a point that can get overlooked. Dirk is a legend in Dallas, but he will always be an important figure in European basketball. His leap to and dominance in the NBA paved the way for the explosion of international talent fans see in the league today. Both the Mavericks current star players hail from Europe. Nowitzki played a role in that.

Saric is a stretch four. Dirk revolutionized the power forward position. He ushered in the era of the 3-point shooting and floor spacing four. Every team in the league employs at least one of these players today.

Here is to Dirk Nowitzki. Hopefully, he is enjoying retirement and had a fantastic week as we all celebrated the one-year anniversary of his last NBA games.