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Dirk Nowitzki lives his best life in Manila for 2023 FIBA World Cup draw

Tyler Watts
Tyler Watts

The Smoking Cuban

Dallas Mavericks, Dirk Nowitzki / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Mavericks GOAT Dirk Nowitzki is staying busy in retirement. He is back helping out the only NBA team that he ever played for in an advisory role along with being an ambassador for FIBA, doing charity work through his foundation, and even finding time for a few new business ventures.

Dirk is gearing up for his Hall of Fame induction in August as his latest much-deserved honor. The Mavericks unveiled his statue outside the American Airlines Center on Christmas Day, and no fan will forget his jersey retirement last year. Through it all, Dirk is still humble and a true treasure.

Nowitzki traveled to Manila for the 2023 FIBA World Cup draw over the weekend, and he was living his best life. Here is a look at a few clips of the legend during his time overseas.

Dirk Nowitzki lives his best life in Manila for the 2023 FIBA World Cup draw

Dirk let fans know he was in town ahead of the draw, and there was certainly plenty of support.

Everyone was cheering for the legend, and FIBA had a massive Kobe Bryant banner put up to honor his greatness. See the two all-time greats here as Nowitzki signs a few autographs.

Dirk was also spotted sitting new to Yao Ming at a press conference, and FIBA wanted fans to caption the picture on social media.

Fans remember their epic playoff battle in 2005 that went seven games. Houston won the first two contests in Dallas only for the Mavericks to storm back and win the series in a blowout deciding contest. Ming had 33 points in Game 2 to help the Rockets win, but it was Nowitzki who got the final laugh.

Classy as always, Dirk shared a thank you and his excitement about returning in August for the World Cup as he left the country.

Nowitzki gave an interview to FIBA during his trip where he talked a bit about Luka Doncic, last year’s EuroBasket, and what he expects in the World Cup. Nowitzki helped Germany win the bronze medal in the 2002 FIBA World Cup, and he was named MVP of the tournament. Dirk appeared to have a blast, and fans should be excited about his return and the tournament in August.

Can Luka Doncic lead Slovenia to a similar feat this year? The Dallas Mavericks GOAT will be there watching as the team’s superstar does his best. It will be a cannot miss event for fans, so stay tuned for all the latest on the tournament.

Tyler Watts

Tyler Watts

Tyler is an NBA Lead Editor at FanSided. He has been covering the league since 2016. He regularly writes about all 30 NBA franchises and the WNBA. He has seen every game of Luka Doncic's NBA career, and his work has been featured on Bleacher Report and Fantasy Pros. In his spare time, he enjoys going for walks, heading to games, or watching movies with his wife.