Dirk Nowitzki has been immortalized by the Dallas Mavericks roughly three years after his retirement. The 7ft star is widely considered the most influential European NBA player in history. In fact, he, along with Tony Parker, changed the way we perceived European basketball players.
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Before him, players like Tony Kukoc were seen as great talents but never leading men. The German maestro changed that when he became the greatest Dallas player. Now, the team has honored 21 years of his unwavering loyalty with a much-deserved statue.
In the aftermath of the anticipated statue reveal, Dirk Nowitzki was asked if anyone could ever break his 21-season streak for a single franchise.
Dirk Nowitzki believes Luka Doncic can break his 21-season streak
The grand reveal of Dirk’s statue was merely the Mavericks showing their respect for a player who had surpassed every other player in being loyal to a franchise.
In fact, there has been no one who has played 21 seasons for just one team. Only Kobe Bryant, who played for the Los Angeles Lakers, came close with a 20-season streak.
But according to Dirk Nowitzki, he has hopes Luka Doncic, a European superstar, can break that streak. As per Callie Caplin of the Dallas News, when reporters asked about his long tenure for the Mavs, Dirk confessed that he sees Luka following the same path.
Dirk Nowitzki: “Well we hope Luka can break it! That would be pretty cool.”
— Callie Caplan (@CallieCaplan) December 25, 2022
However, it seems Luka doesn’t completely agree with his predecessor. As per Callie Caplan, Doncic confessed that it was difficult for him to imagine playing 21 years in the league. Instead, Luka Doncic revealed he wanted to go back to Slovenia and work on his farm.
Luka Doncic’s response: “I don’t know about 21 years. That’s a long time to play basketball. I’d rather go back to my farm in Slovenia.”
— Callie Caplan (@CallieCaplan) December 25, 2022
Luka Doncic may just surpass Nowitzki
As things currently stand, Luka will most likely surpass even the conquests of Dirk Nowitzki. Dirk, whose lethal one-legged fadeaway was feared by all opponents, holds a special place in the halls of Dallas history. A history Luka Doncic is constantly rewriting with his excellence.
He’s already won Rookie of the Year which Dirk could never win. Moreover, the 6ft 7″ is definitely a more gifted scorer. Having already outscored Dirk’s best season scoring, Luka may just average 30+ points this season. If he can win a championship and an MVP, he will surpass Dirk.
