Nowitzki is Dallas’ best player, and the German is widely regarded as the greatest shooting big man in NBA history. Standing seven-foot tall, Nowitzki eschews the stereotype that tall players should camp out under the ring and concentrate on dunking and rebounding.
If he was born in America, it’s unlikely he would have become the excellent outside shooter he is, as high school and college coaches in the States usually adhere to the tradition of placing their tallest players as close to the ring as possible.
As such, most tall players in America become adept at shooting close to the basket, but struggle shooting from long distance.
The theory, quite simply, is to maximise and utilise your height advantage.
That thinking may seem intuitive and common sense, and that’s because it is.
However, European coaches are not as rigid as their American counterparts, and this resulted in Dirk not being restricted to playing in the low post. Dirk’s unique skill set, combined with his height, provided him with an enviable and differentiated advantage: a seven-foot player shooting three pointers is almost impossible to defend.
When you include the fact that Dirk releases the ball well above his head, and also fades away from the basket, it makes ‘The Diggler’ an unstoppable offensive force, as evidenced by his average of 23 points per game across an NBA career that spans 13 seasons.
His individual success was punctuated with an MVP trophy in 2007. And his team, the Dallas Mavericks, have also been consistently successful, making the playoffs every season for the last 11 years.
Already anointed the best European player in NBA history, a championship remains all that is missing from Nowitzki’s impressive career. It’s also the only thing preventing him from being mentioned as one of the all-time greats.
At 32 years of age, this series could be Nowitzki’s last chance to win a ring and cement his legacy. Victory would also allow him to erase the painful memory of Dallas’ 2006 Finals loss, when they failed to win the championship, despite being up 2-0 in the series.
Their vanquishers in that 2006 finals series? The Miami Heat.
The rematch, along with Dirk’s legacy, is one of many juicy subplots to the 2011 NBA finals. However, they all take a backseat to the biggest story of all: LeBron James.
It’s a shame many people will be booing the NBA’s best player and hoping he and the Heat don’t win, rather than happily witnessing the coronation of the ‘King’. But James has no one to blame but himself for that predicament.
ESPN’s ‘The Decision’ and James’ now iconic quote “I’m taking my talents to South Beach” seem like an eternity ago, yet they still linger negatively in almost everyone’s memory.
Much has been said and written about LeBron James and the way he left Cleveland to line-up with his friends, and fellow All-Stars, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. The goal was to win a championship. Or seven, if you believe LeBron.
In many ways, James will be vindicated for his decision if the Miami Heat should win. Whilst a title will not absolve him of the arrogant, myopic and prima donna behaviour of last off-season, it would be hard to argue that he didn’t make the right judgement if he is crowned an NBA champion.
Like Dirk, the one thing missing from James’ pedigree is a championship. Many have already anointed him an all-time great, but a title would completely validate it.
Whilst James is still just 26 years old, he’s under immense pressure to prove that he is a winner, rather than just supremely talented.
Nowitzki on the other hand, turns 33 in a fortnight and is therefore under pressure of a different kind: time.
It’s the German sharp-shooter versus the King without a crown.
And the winner won’t just be the NBA champion; they’ll also legitimately enter any conversation about the NBA’s greatest all-time players.
Lee McDonald
Roar Guru
Good article. Much like others, my heart says Mavs but my head says Heat. I love the way the Mavs are playing, in particular Dirk. I have a real distaste for the way the Heat went about building their team but I have to concede that Miami are built for the postseason. The Heat have have had an eerie similarity to the 91-93 Bulls these playoffs. Fantastic lock down defence combined with two ultra-athletic players who can make critical offensive or defensive plays when it counts (even if they aren't playing that well as Wade did in the Conference Finals) and they have just enough talent around them.
amazonfan
Roar Guru
While Dirk has been declared a choker (or soft), that he is a champion player without a title who doesn't have too many chances left is probably why there is so much support behind him. Certainly it's why I want him to win. LeBron will have many years to win his multiple rings, however it would be nice if the Big German could win just one ring before he calls it a day.
amazonfan
Roar Guru
I hate it as Miami has become the Collingwood of the NBA, and to make it even worse, not only will Miami probably win the Championship, but Collingwood could very well win a second straight flag!!!
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
The key word is 'could'. You're quite right, 33 isn't that old, and his game is predicated on his shooting and height, which age doesn't really affect. However, with a lockout pending, I think this could be Kidd's last year - he has hinted as such himself. And Marion, Terry, Peja, etc are all on the wrong side of 30, so this could be Dallas' window right now. There is no question that Dirk has a few years left in him, but this could be his best chance, and he therefore needs to take it.
Russ
Guest
I'm curious about the "last chance for Dirk" because of his age narrative? Kidd, Marion, Terry, definitely. But by reports, Dirk lives for basketball, relies on touch, not physical strength or speed, is fairly unselfish, has no history of major injuries and won't get any shorter. It wouldn't surprise me at all if he was contributing good numbers still in 5 or even 8 years. Perhaps it is doubtful the Mavs can be rebuilt around him again in that time frame, but he is a free agent again in 3 years time, and no shortage of teams looking for a big scoring option who'd clear out the lane for their guards.
ohtani's jacket
Guest
These playoffs have lead to a groundswell of support behind Dirk, who people usually take pleasure in deriding as a choker. Fickle perhaps, but nice to see. Spprt remains the great redeemer. Plus, nobody likes Miami and their over the top celebrating outside of Miami residents and casual fans. I have my doubts over whether Dallas can actually defend the Heat's big three, but Dallas are a team you doubt every step of the way. I hope they win.
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
I think you're right. Whilst my heart says Dallas, Miami are on a tear right down, and will probably win in 6 games.
amazonfan
Roar Guru
I would love Dallas to win, if only for Dirk & Kidd, however I fear that they won't. Miami's defense may be too strong. So, while I would be delighted if Dallas wins, I'm tipping that that Miami wins in 6. I hope I'm wrong! :D
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
I'm leaning towards the Mavs too, WB. I like Kidd and Dirk. Classy and great players too.
Damo
Guest
Go The DIggler!
Gruff
Guest
Dallas please win! I couldn'ts stand if those bunch of t--sers frim Miami win. They carried on like idiots just to announce their signings. Can you imagine what they'd be like if they win!
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Nice piece Ryan, as a Celtic fan I am cheering the Mavs all the way. There D which has been excellent in the playoffs really needs to step up. It's one thing to guard Kobe which they did well but the triple threat of the Heat is going to be hard to stop. The Mavs have the most animated / charismatic owner in Mark Cuban.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
ONE have the game on delay by 24 hours due to ESPN holding the rights to the finals
chris
Guest
Are OneHD telecasting game 1 live tomorrow morning?? The programme says live baseball is on instead which would be beyond a joke???
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Game 1 is in 24 hours Nic.
Nic
Guest
What has happened to game 1??? y isnt it on?????
AT
Guest
Dallas in 6