Lasting Legacy of Dirk Nowitzki: A Look at the Influence on History

How the contributions of Dirk Nowitzki continue to shape the world today.

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

2004: Publication of "Dirk Nowitzki: German Wunderkind"

In 2004, the book "Dirk Nowitzki: German Wunderkind" by Dino Reisner and Holger Sauer, chronicling Nowitzki's early life and NBA entry, was published.

November 2011: Publication of "Einfach Er – Dirk Nowitzki – Aus Würzburg an die Weltspitze"

In November 2011, the Würzburg local newspaper Main-Post published a book: "Einfach Er – Dirk Nowitzki – Aus Würzburg an die Weltspitze" by Jürgen Höpfl and Fabian Frühwirth, focusing on Nowitzki's career progression and relation to his hometown.

2011: LeBron James on Nowitzki's Fadeaway

Before the start of the 2011 NBA Finals, LeBron James described Nowitzki's one-legged fadeaway as the second most unstoppable move ever, only behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's skyhook.

December 10, 2012: Received Naismith Legacy Award

On December 10, 2012, Dirk Nowitzki became the first non-American player to receive the Naismith Legacy Award, recognizing his contributions to basketball.

2014: Release of "Nowitzki. The Perfect Shot"

In 2014, the film documentary "Nowitzki. The Perfect Shot" was released, chronicling Nowitzki's career and life.

Loading Video...

October 30, 2019: Nowitzki Way

On October 30, 2019, the Dallas City Council unanimously voted to rename part of Olive Street as Nowitzki Way, near the American Airlines Center.

December 2019: Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany

In December 2019, Nowitzki received the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany from Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, recognizing his social commitment.

2019: Publication of "The Great Nowitzki"

In 2019, Thomas Pletzinger published "The Great Nowitzki", a 502-page biography for which he had followed Nowitzki over several years.

2021: Selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team

In 2021, Dirk Nowitzki was selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, recognizing his contributions to basketball.

January 5, 2022: Mavericks Retired Number 41

On January 5, 2022, the Mavericks retired Nowitzki's number 41. Additionally, Mark Cuban unveiled plans for a statue of Nowitzki to be installed outside the American Airlines Center in Dallas. The statue was unveiled on Christmas Day later that year.

September 2022: Number Retired by German National Team

In September 2022, Dirk Nowitzki became the first German men's player to have his number retired, a testament to his contributions to German basketball.

September 2022: Jersey Retirement Ceremony

In September 2022, the German Basketball Federation (DBB) honored Nowitzki by retiring his jersey (number 14) before EuroBasket 2022. The ceremony took place on September 2, before Germany's game against France in Cologne. The DBB also announced that a replica of Nowitzki's national team jersey would be displayed at all future Germany men's home games.

2022: Named One of NBA's 75 Greatest Players

In 2022, The Athletic commemorated the NBA's 75th Anniversary by ranking their top 75 players of all time, naming Nowitzki as the 21st greatest player in NBA history.

October 12, 2023: Unveiling of Dirk Nowitzki Statue in Frankfurt

On October 12, 2023, a statue of Dirk Nowitzki was unveiled in Frankfurt in recognition of his long-term advertising activities for ING Germany. The bronze statue, created by Andreas Artur Hoferick, depicts Nowitzki sitting on a wooden bench, inviting passersby to sit next to him.