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 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

2004: Publication of "Dirk Nowitzki: German Wunderkind"

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

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

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

2011: LeBron James comment on one-legged fadeaway

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

2014: Release of "Nowitzki. The Perfect Shot"

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

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October 30, 2019: Nowitzki Way

On October 30, 2019, part of Olive Street was renamed Nowitzki Way by the Dallas City Council.

2019: Publication of "The Great Nowitzki"

In 2019, Thomas Pletzinger published the 502-page biography "The Great Nowitzki", praised for its writing style and narrative approach.

2021: Selected to NBA 75th Anniversary Team

In 2021, Dirk Nowitzki was selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, which recognized the greatest players in NBA history.

January 5, 2022: Mavericks retired number 41

On January 5, 2022, Nowitzki's number 41 was retired by the Mavericks, and a statue was announced to be installed outside the American Airlines Center.

September 2022: Number Retired by Germany

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

September 2022: Jersey Retirement by DBB

In September 2022, the German Basketball Federation (DBB) honored Nowitzki with a jersey (number 14) retirement ahead of EuroBasket 2022. A replica of his jersey would hang at all future Germany men's home games.

2022: Ranked 21st greatest player in NBA history

In 2022, The Athletic ranked Nowitzki as the 21st greatest player in NBA history, to commemorate the NBA's 75th Anniversary.

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

On October 12, 2023, a Dirk Nowitzki statue was unveiled in Frankfurt in recognition of his advertising activities with ING Germany. The slightly over life-size bronze statue by Andreas Artur Hoferick shows Nowitzki sitting on a wooden bench.

2023: Inducted into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

In 2023, Dirk Nowitzki was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as one of basketball's all-time greats.