Mavericks: Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash became great through friendship

The Dallas Mavericks bonded Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash: How they became great through friendship.

The Dallas Mavericks made multiple bold moves in 1998. In separate draft night trades, they acquired Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash. The Mavs had not made the playoffs since 1990. They were looking to build a sustainable core of young talent.

The moves were questioned. Dallas took a young player that no one knew about and a point guard from Phoenix that barely played in his first two seasons. Nash and Dirk both struggled to adjust to their new setting.

Nowitzki left his family and friends in Wurzberg, Germany to pursue a career in the NBA at the age of 20. For anyone, that is a difficult adjustment. Dirk almost decided to call it quits because he was feeling homesick. Nash took it upon himself to befriend the German, which helped the two develop a long-lasting bond.

Friendship helped Dallas Mavericks Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash become great

Steve Nash did a ton to help Dirk adjust to life in Dallas. He would call him frequently. They would go out to eat, to party, and just hang out a lot. This aided Dirk both on and off the court. The two would become a popular trio with Michael Finley.

During the 2000-2001 season, the Mavs ended a decade long playoff drought. They would go on to win their first series against the Utah Jazz but lose in the second round to the Spurs. This was the beginning of a string of playoff appearances and many memories between the two.

Next: Duo splits

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