A Veteran’s Emergence: Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk Nowitzki has amassed an array of accomplishments throughout his 12 year career, but not until recently has he been given the recognition and praise which he’s deserved. Yes, he has received multiple All-Star and All-NBA selections, and even an MVP award, but because of his team’s repeated early exits from the post season he has not been able to obtain the most coveted and praise-worthy award of all: The O’Brien Trophy. This high honor (along with a Finals MVP award) will distinguish him from those who were not able to reach the Mecca of the basketball world. It will also boost his name into conversations with all time greats, as if that hasn’t already happened. Dirk’s recent exploits have brought about comparisons to Larry Bird, and although the assessment is far-fetched, he has definitely made a case for his enshrinement in the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Dirk has managed to raise his regular season averages from 23pts, 7rebs, 39% 3Fgs, and 89% free throws to 28pts, 8rebs, 51% 3Fgs, and 94% free throws in the post season. He has become increasingly efficient, while performing repeatedly in the clutch as evidenced by his Finals 4^th quarters scoring. During the 4^th quarters of the Finals, he has averaged 10.2 pts a game while shooting 48% and 100% from the free throw line.

Dirk’s unorthodox footwork, yet balanced style of play has gained the attention of millions on the news, blogs, and especially social networking sites across the globe. All of this, along with his one-footed, nearly indefensible stroke (arguably the third most “un-guardable” shot in NBA history behind Kareem’s sky hook and MJ’s fadeway) has boosted his resume into the argument of top 10 Greatest Bigs of all time. Fans and media aren’t the only ones taking heed to Nowitzki’s success though, as opposing team’s have begun preparing their game plan especially for him. Regardless of the opposing team’s awareness of the Mavs’ game plan though, he continually, and almost flawlessly, assesses the defense on each and every possession and makes the corresponding best possible play.

4^th Quarters During the Finals:

Game 1:10 pts on 2/4 shooting

Game 2: 8 pts on 4/7 shooting

Game 3: 15 pts on 4/7 shooting

Game 4: 10 pts 2/6 shooting

Game 5: 8 pts on 1/3 shooting

Just to put into perspective what Nowitzki has been able to accomplish this series, LeBron James has managed to score only 11pts on 25% shooting in all of the 4^th quarters combined! Don’t forget that Nowitzki’s performance is coming against the best defensive team in the league whose main focus has been on limiting his touches and opportunities.

Don’t count on Dirk receiving the Finals MVP regardless of the Mavs victory in this series, as only Jerry West has won the award when his team didn’t win the championship, not to mention Dwyane Wade’s stellar performance throughout the series. If Nowitzki does manage to close out the Heat in Game 6 tonight though, we could see Hall of Fame talks beginning for the best 7-Foot scorer ever as soon as the post game discussions. The actual induction of the German Giant into the Hall of Fame though, can only be decided by a panel of experts, and more importantly, time.