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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Steve Nash heads to Phoenix as Dirk Nowitzki reaches new heights with Dallas Mavericks

Nash’s contract expired after the 2004 season, and Dallas did not make him an offer.

With the duo forced to split, he decided to go back to the Phoenix Suns where he completely changed their culture. Nash won back-to-back MVP’s, and solidified his Hall of Fame resume with eight years of superstar production. The Suns made the playoffs five times during that stretch including three trips to the Western Conference Finals.

Dirk would be left to carry the weight of the Mavericks. He achieved plenty of success after Nash’s departure. Nowitzki led Dallas to the NBA Finals in 2006. He won the MVP award in 2007. The Mavs also made the playoffs every season from 2005 to 2012. Fans can take a look at the 41 best moments of Dirk’s career here.

Neither would win a title until 2011 when Dirk led his team to a ring against the Miami Heat. It was the first year with LeBron James in Miami. The Mavs won in six games with Nowitzki taking home Finals MVP honors.

Nash would finish out his playing career in Los Angeles with the Lakers in 2014. He did win a championship ring as a consultant with the Golden State Warriors.

Next: What-if they stayed together?

What-if Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash stayed together on the Dallas Mavericks?

Many Dallas Mavericks fans wonder how the two careers would have played out if they had stuck together. The team seemed to be on the brink of success in Nash’s last year, but couldn’t quite get over the Sacramento Kings or San Antonio Spurs hump.

Could they have won multiple championships? Team and player awards? Or were the two better off going down their own paths?

I know I loved the two playing together and was saddened when Nash left. These two are the reason I started watching basketball again during the 2000s. Growing up, I was more of a Chicago Bulls fan because of Michael Jordan. Once Jordan retired, there wasn’t much reason to watch basketball.

Until one day, my father took me to a game where the Mavs were playing the Vancouver Grizzlies. I remember the lasting imprint watching Nash and Nowitzki left on me. I wanted to see more.

Then, the Mavericks went on a 14-0 start to the 2002-2003 season. It was mesmerizing. I remember seeing Nash run up and down the court like a speeding blur while controlling the tempo of the game. I also remember seeing Dirk hit that patented one-legged fade-away.

They played great together, but it wasn’t until they parted that both grew into the best version of themselves. Nash went on to lead the Suns and have a marvelous career. Dirk became the greatest Maverick of all time, and one of the best the game has ever seen.

Their friendship has blossomed into something that has stood the test of time. Their bond was strengthened by going against each other. Yes, Dirk needed Nash to get better, but Nashty had to have Nowitzki to succeed as well.

Both players continue their friendship into retirement. Hopefully, they can work together in the Dallas Mavericks front office someday. Or at least help the new star duo of Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis to new heights. Either way, both players were a joy to watch and made each other better.