The legendary Dirk
Dirk Werner Nowitzki (IPA pronuncation: [no'vjtski]) (born June 19, 1978 in Würzburg, West Germany) is a German basketball player for the United States' National Basketball Association's (NBA) Dallas Mavericks. Standing at 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m), Nowitzki is an all-purpose forward, able to play any position in the frontcourt (center, power forward, or small forward).
Nowitzki was selected with the 9th overall pick in the 1998 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks and was immediately traded to the Dallas Mavericks for their sixth pick, Robert "Tractor" Traylor. Nowitzki is widely regarded as one of the best players in the NBA today. Although there have been numerous German players in the NBA, in 2006 Nowitzki became just the second German-born player (after Detlef Schrempf) to make it to the Finals.
In May 2007, Nowitzki became the first European-born player in NBA history to receive the league's Most Valuable Player award.
Style of playing...
Nowitzki is one of the best shooters in the NBA, and is capable of shooting a high percentage from both medium range and beyond the three-point line, unusual for a 7-foot forward. His tall frame and fadeaway jump shots pose difficulties for defenders, and in 2006 and 2007 he shot over 90% at the free throw line. Nowitzki also has an effective high post game in the NBA, able receive passes near the top of the key and bring the ball down to the low post to score on a turnaround jump shot or a drive. He was also very effective working the pick and roll with former teammate, Steve Nash.
Nowitzki's defense improved under current Dallas coach Avery Johnson. Nowitzki notched a career high in blocks on January 6, 2006, with 7 against the Denver Nuggets. Nowitzki is the only player in NBA history to register at least 150 three-point field goals and 100 blocks in a season (he had 151 three-point field goals and 101 blocks in the 2000-01 season).
Nowitzki has been compared to Boston Celtics forward Larry Bird, both being prolific scorers and admired shooters. Both Bird and Nowitzki are rated as three-point contest champions and excellent free-throw shooters. However, Bird's career high season records exceed Nowitzki's in terms of season average per game assists and rebounds
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