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 is a retired German professional basketball player, currently a special advisor for the Dallas Mavericks. At 7 feet tall, he is celebrated as one of basketball's greatest power forwards and is often regarded as the best European player ever. Nowitzki was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021 and inducted 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 Played at EuroBasket Women

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

June 19, 1978: Dirk Nowitzki Born

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

Others born on this day/year

1990: Mavericks Last Playoff Appearance

In 1990, was the last time the Dallas Mavericks made the playoffs before Dirk Nowitzki joined the team.

1992: Charles Barkley Jersey

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

1992: Inspired by the Dream Team

In 1992, watching the U.S. Olympic basketball "Dream Team" caused Dirk Nowitzki to gravitate towards basketball.

1994: Joins the DJK Squad

In the summer of 1994, Dirk Nowitzki, then 16 years old, made the DJK squad.

1995: DJK Finished Sixth

In the 1994-95 Second Bundesliga season, the DJK finished as a disappointing sixth of 12 teams; the rookie Nowitzki was often benched.

1996: Nowitzki Averaged 19.4 Points per Game

In the 1996-97 Second Bundesliga season, Dirk Nowitzki averaged 19.4 points per game and led DJK again to second place after the regular season, but could not help his team gain promotion.

September 1, 1997: Compulsory Military Service

On September 1, 1997, Dirk Nowitzki started his compulsory military service in the Bundeswehr.

March 29, 1998: 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: End of Military Service

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

1998: NBA Lockout and Nowitzki's Return to DJK Würzburg

In 1998, the start of the NBA season was delayed by the 1998-99 NBA lockout. Dirk Nowitzki returned to DJK Würzburg and played thirteen games before both sides worked out a late compromise deal that resulted in a shortened NBA schedule.

January 4, 2000: Mark Cuban Buys the Mavericks

On January 4, 2000, Mark Cuban bought the Dallas Mavericks for $280 million and invested heavily in the team.

2003: Foot Injury and EuroBasket Struggles

In 2003, Dirk Nowitzki suffered a foot injury during a preparation game for EuroBasket after a collision with Florent Piétrus, affecting his performance. Germany lost the decisive match against Italy, failing to qualify for the 2004 Olympic Games. He scored 22.5 points per game.

July 20, 2012: Married Jessica Olsson

On July 20, 2012, Nowitzki married Jessica Olsson at his home in Dallas.

October 2012: Knee Surgery

In October 2012, Dirk Nowitzki underwent knee surgery and missed the first 27 games of the season.

January 2013: "The Beard Bros" Pact

In January 2013, Dirk Nowitzki and some of his teammates made a pact not to shave their beards until the team reached .500, earning them the nickname "The Beard Bros."