Luka Doncic praises Dirk Nowitzki ahead of jersey retirement

The Dallas Mavericks are suddenly rolling. Despite COVID issues wreaking havoc on their roster over the last two-plus weeks, they have won three straight after a dominating victory over Denver where Luka Doncic narrowly missed a triple-double and the Mavs held the Nuggets to 89 points.

Dallas is finally back over .500 and currently out of the play-in tournament. Monday’s win could turn massive as it secured the season series over the Nuggets. Kristaps Porzingis entered the health and safety protocols on Jan. 3, and the Mavericks still have five players out, but they are ready to get back on track.

Dallas faces a difficult test on Wednesday night as they host the Golden State Warriors. It promises to be an unforgettable evening as the Mavs lift Dirk Nowitzki’s number 41 jersey into the rafters. The organization has a ton of fun things planned for the celebration, and Luka shared his thoughts following Monday’s win over the Nuggets.

Luka Doncic praises Dirk Nowitzki ahead of jersey retirement celebration

Here is a quote from the current Mavericks superstar after he was asked about Dirk receiving the honor on Wednesday night.

"He deserves that and everything else that happens. He gave so much to Dallas, and Dallas gave back to him. Like I was talking before, he did a lot of things, not just for people from Europe, but in the United States. Everybody has the highest respect for him, the highest everything. They just enjoyed watching him play. In Europe too, especially the kids. They grow up in Europe, they know Dirk. Everybody from Europe follows Dirk, so he got respect from everybody."

The battle between Doncic and Stephen Curry will take center stage on the court, but it will be a night about Dirk Nowitzki. Another chance for Mavericks fans to pay homage to the franchise GOAT. Dirk was in attendance for the win over the Nuggets, and he did some work on the pregame show. It was not the first time fans have seen the legend this season.

Nowitzki is back with the Dallas Mavericks as a special advisor to owner Mark Cuban. He made his broadcasting debut as a fill-in for Derek Harper, and absolutely crushed it. Dirk is enjoying his retirement, but Jan. 5 will be a chance for supports to show him some love. It will be a special, magical, and unforgettable that no MFFL is going to want to miss, so be sure to enjoy it.