During an NBA Cup group-stage game between the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets last season, a special guest joined the Mavericks’ local broadcast. Dirk Nowitzki was on the call for the entirety of Dallas’ win over its in-state rival.
For two and a half hours, Nowitzki lobbed zingers at co-workers.
“That was a Devin Harris special. Run into somebody, and throw it up.”
He poked fun at his own deficiencies.
“What’s the highest number of assists I averaged in my career? 0.5?”
And he offered praise when he felt it was worthy. Even in jest.
“He’s probably the best horse player I’ve ever seen. Outside of Brad Davis… Luka has got to best horse player I’ve ever seen. He is making some straight gar-bagé.”
DIRK. 😂 😭 #MFFL | @dallasmavs on @BallySportsSW 📺 pic.twitter.com/hKVO2YKUrO
— FanDuel Sports Network Southwest (@FanDuelSN_SW) November 29, 2023
Starting in the fall, a national audience will hear Nowitzki’s wit and wisdom every Friday during basketball season. Amazon announced last week that it had hired Nowitzki as part of a new Prime Video studio show. Nowitzki will work as an analyst alongside host Taylor Rooks and former LA Clippers high flyer Blake Griffin in Year 1 of Amazon’s new 11-year, $20 billion pact with the NBA.
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Amazon adds Dirk Nowitzki, Blake Griffin to NBA studio coverage
Amazon’s announcement came shortly after Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick and TNT personality Charles Barkley traded public barbs about how the NBA’s national TV partners present the game.
Nowitzki and Barkley are similar in that both are all-time greats who give their outlets instant credibility. Both like to crack a joke, and neither take themselves too seriously.
Their appreciation for the modern game is where they diverge. Barkley famously used to argue that jump-shooting teams couldn’t win championships. Nowitzki’s Mavericks, Steph Curry’s Golden State Warriors and this iteration of the Boston Celtics have all disproved that.
Those who know Nowitzki well believe he’ll be able to walk the line between being critical and celebrating what basketball has become.
“Rule No. 1 for me has always been, ‘If I don’t sound like I give a s— about the game, then how is the person on the couch going to give a s— about it?’” longtime Dallas Mavericks play-by-play voice Mark Followill said. “You have to care about what you are talking about, what you are talking about in that moment. I think Dirk is going to be great at that part of it.”
Between Nowitzki’s retirement in 2019 and his decision to join Amazon, he did part-time media work. He got color commentary reps next to Followill. He also did studio work with TNT; in May, Nowitzki filled in for Shaquille O’Neal on “Inside the NBA.” Barkley, sitting opposite of Nowitzki, recounted a story about trying to recruit him to Auburn. Nowitzki told Barkley he couldn’t go to Auburn because he had to complete his country-mandated military service first.
Starting in 1997, Nowitzki spent several months in basic training. The next year, he was chosen ninth in the NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks, but then traded to the Mavericks. Nowitzki played 21 seasons in the league, all with the Mavericks.
Dirk Nowitzki and his family look on as the Dallas Mavericks raise a banner while retiring his jersey in January 2022. (Glenn James / NBAE via Getty Images)
Nowitzki has spent his post-retirement years traveling the world with his family. His wife, Jessica, is Swedish and Kenyan. Their three children have visited both of those countries, Germany and several others.
Nowitzki has remained involved with basketball as a board member with FIBA. His decision to join Amazon will mean even more time around the game.
“I have always wanted to remain close to the game that I love, and building something new alongside this talented crew is an experience I look forward to,” Nowitzki said in a statement after the news became official.
During Nowitzki’s rookie 1998-99 rookie season, the Mavericks attempted 11.9 3-pointers per game. This season, they are shooting roughly three times that amount. Nowitzki, more than anyone else, made it possible for the current crop of big men to expand their games.
Kevin Durant made Nowitzki’s one-legged fadeaway part of his scoring package — and the players who grew up watching Durant have pushed the boundaries of basketball even farther. San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama has a one-legged 3-point shot in his repertoire.
Starting next season, Nowitzki’s job will be to analyze many of the players he inspired and also break down today’s game, which he helped evolve.
“He made it sexy to be a big guy who can handle the ball and shoot the ball,” Harris said. “Look at it now. It’s paved the way for a lot of different guys. I think he’s definitely suited to break the game down the way it is now.”
(Top photo: Matthew Stockman / Getty Images)
