DONUT 1: Two for the Show
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Recent The Dallas Mavericks “news” this past week came directly from Dirk Nowitzki himself during one of his impromptu question and answer sessions with fans on Twitter. When asked how long the forward plans to continue playing in the NBA, he responded, “2 for sure and then see how I feel.”
This isn’t exactly breaking news considering that’s when his current deal expires with Dallas, but it certainly does get the wheels spinning in minds of MFFLs everywhere. Dallas is guaranteed two more years of Dirk and then the rest is up in the air. The Nowitzki-less Mavs, an idea that seemed like it would never come, is a reality that will have to be dealt with relatively soon.
DONUT 2: Dirk and Dallas ...
While we're not quite ready to deal with that situation emotionally or mentally, one thing that seems certain is Dirk will finish his career as a Maverick. Mark Cuban has made it clear multiple times that he intends to keep Nowitzki in Dallas until the day The UberMan hangs up his Nikes. Dirk even touched on that subject during his Q&A. When one fan asked if Dirk would join a “Superteam” just to chase rings at the end of his career, Dirk’s answers was as simple as the unconventional superstar himself seems to be.
“I bleed blue.”
DONUT 3: Numbers Game ...
With last week’s announcement by the Lakers that they will retire Shaquille O’Neal’s number 34 jersey, it brings us back around to the interesting debate of who deserves their number retired by the Mavericks. Obviously, the situation is different for the Lakers with their extremely rich history, but does that mean the Mavericks should have lesser standards for retiring numbers? Should the Mavericks be just as picky as the Lakers for raising jerseys into the rafters or should they be more lenient just because they haven’t won as many titles?
DONUT 4: Frozen in time ...
Even further, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar will have a statue built in his honor outside of the Staples Center this year. Whether you agree with the sentiment of building statues for athletes or not, Dirk Nowitzki will have one built outside of the American Airlines Center when his playing days are done. It’s just going to happen (assuming the modest Dirk allows it). There are still plenty of games of greatness to be played by Dirk before that day comes, but what should the statue be when that day does arrive?
DONUT 5: Do any of these tickle your fancy? ...
We've handpicked some likely candidates for Dirk in Bronze:
There's "Buff Baseball Dirk.''
DONUT 6: Or the one with Dirk's tongue in bronze? ...
DONUT 7: Intellectual Dirk? ...
Dirk and Britney Spears. Smart!
Dirk with the German breakfast of champions? Yeah, maybe.
DONUT 8: But here's your winner ...
DONUT 9: Follow the Mavs on Twitter! ...
DONUT 10: Kick 'em around! ...
What do you think about these Mavs issues and more? Let's kick this around on DB.com Boards!
DONUT 11: Attention, ESPN ...
Weaved into this concept of immortalizing The UberMan: Dirk’s One-Legged Euro FadeAway, it is making some news ... or more appropriately, not making the news it is due. Our heads are still spinning over ESPN’s Beckley Mason of TrueHoop putting together an extensive list of signature moves for current NBA players. The list includes Derrick Rose’s push shot, James Harden’s extended layup, and others, but there is one notable omission: Dirk’s One-Legged Euro FadeAway jumpshot.
Other moves listed are obviously worthy of mention. (Others, like whatever it is ESPN thinks Al Jefferson and Luis Scola do that is special, are less so.) And Mason is a talented writer. But if you’re talking about all-time signature shots -- let alone the recognized moves of active players, as ESPN is attempting to do here, Nowitzki needs to be included or a list like this is simply incomplete.
DONUT 12: The Final Word ...
In the few days following Dirk’s Twitter Q&A, many conversations were inspired by his words, including discussions of how Dallas should prepare for life after Nowitzki. Some strategies include maintaining financial flexibility, trading Dirk for assets, and even tanking seasons for better draft picks.
The truth is, there is no legitimate, proven way to fully prepare a franchise to easily transition into a phase without the best player that’s ever stepped foot in their locker room.
Times will be tough for the Mavericks once Dirk’s days here are done -- in the emotional sense for certain, and maybe in terms of W's and L's, too. Generally, it’s just a fact a franchise faces after a long cycle of winning.
Though Dirk was the one to bring this topic to attention in the first place, it really isn’t worth worrying about right now. Dirk will finish his career in Dallas. The smart bet is he will re-up at a fitting price after that and be a MFFL. Until these decisions are upon us, we should remember to embrace the moment ... and just enjoy the show.
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