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Dirk Nowitzki gets emotional as German National Federation retires his jersey

ByTyler Watts|
Dirk Nowitzki, Germany, Dallas Mavericks
Dirk Nowitzki, Germany, Dallas Mavericks | Alexander Scheuber/GettyImages

Dallas Mavericks GOAT Dirk Nowitzki received a massive honor on Sept. 1 as the German National Basketball Federation retired his number 14 jersey on the first day of EuroBasket 2022. No German will ever wear his number again, and it becomes the second jersey Nowitzki had retired this year after Mavericks put his in the rafters back in January.

The Mavs brought a strong contingent to support Nowitzki in Germany for his latest jersey retirement. Owner Mark Cuban was joined by Jason Kidd, Michael Finley, and Nico Harrison for the event. Superstar Luka Doncic helped his country win their EuroBasket opener before he joined his fellow Mavericks in the front row to watch Nowitzki’s jersey go into the rafters.

It was another emotional night for Dirk, and he was deserving of every second of it. Here is a closer look at his jersey heading into the rafters and more on the special night.

Dirk Nowitzki gets emotional as the German National Federation retires his jersey

Nowitzki got emotional as they played a tribute video, but he once again knocked his speech out of the park. He gave most of it in German, but he made sure to thank Mark Cuban for coming and always supporting him in English. Fans can watch the entire jersey retirement ceremony here.

FIBA EuroBasket posted Nowitzki’s jersey heading into the rafters on their official Twitter account, which supporters can enjoy again below.

This is far from the last time Nowitzki will be honored. The Dallas Mavericks plan to unveil his statue outside the American Airlines Center this season. Dirk will be on hand plenty as he continues his role as special advisor to owner Mark Cuban, but his statue unveiling will be another special night that MFFLs will not want to miss.

Congratulations go out to Dirk Nowitzki for having his jersey retired by the German National Federation. He is the first player to receive this honor, and it further cements Nowitzki’s legacy as not only the best German but top European player of all time.

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