Early Life and Education of Dirk Nowitzki: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Dirk Nowitzki. A timeline of key moments.

Dirk Nowitzki, a retired German professional basketball player and current special advisor for the Dallas Mavericks, is celebrated as one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history and the greatest European player ever. Standing at 7 ft 0 in, Nowitzki's illustrious career earned him a spot on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. His achievements were further recognized with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1966: Mother Participated in EuroBasket Women

In 1966, Dirk Nowitzki's mother, Helga Bredenbröcker, participated in the EuroBasket Women as a member of the West Germany national team.

June 19, 1978: Dirk Nowitzki's Birth

On June 19, 1978, Dirk Werner Nowitzki was born. He is a German former professional basketball player and currently a special advisor for the Dallas Mavericks of the NBA.

Others born on this day/year

1992: Inspired by Charles Barkley

In 1992, Dirk Nowitzki chose to wear the jersey number 14 because Charles Barkley wore that number during the 1992 Olympics.

1992: Inspired by the U.S. Olympic Basketball "Dream Team"

In 1992, Dirk Nowitzki was inspired by watching the U.S. Olympic basketball "Dream Team", which influenced his decision to focus on basketball.

1994: Joined DJK Squad

In the summer of 1994, then 16-year-old Dirk Nowitzki made the DJK squad, marking an early milestone in his basketball career.

September 1, 1997: Compulsory military service

On September 1, 1997, Dirk Nowitzki had to do compulsory military service in the Bundeswehr which lasted from September 1, 1997, to June 30, 1998.

March 29, 1998: Participated in Nike Hoop Summit

On March 29, 1998, Dirk Nowitzki played in the Nike Hoop Summit, scoring 33 points and grabbing 14 rebounds for the international team.

June 30, 1998: Ended compulsory military service

On June 30, 1998, Dirk Nowitzki ended his compulsory military service in the Bundeswehr.

1998: Returned to DJK Würzburg

In 1998, Dirk Nowitzki returned to DJK Würzburg and played thirteen games due to the 1998–99 NBA lockout.

1998: Drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks and traded to the Dallas Mavericks

In 1998, Dirk Nowitzki was chosen as the ninth pick in the NBA draft by the Milwaukee Bucks and was immediately traded to the Dallas Mavericks, where he played his entire 21-year NBA career.

1998: Drafted into the NBA

In 1998, Dirk Nowitzki was drafted into the NBA as a prep-to-pro player. The Milwaukee Bucks selected him with the ninth pick and traded him to the Dallas Mavericks. He started wearing No. 41 because No. 14 was already taken.

January 4, 2000: Mark Cuban Bought the Mavericks

On January 4, 2000, Mark Cuban bought the Mavericks for $280 million, leading to significant investments and improvements in the franchise.

2005: Finley Waived

Prior to the 2005–06 NBA season, veteran Mavericks captain Michael Finley was waived, leaving Nowitzki as the last player remaining from the Mavericks' "Big Three" of Nash, Finley, and himself.