Rangers Salute Hall of Famer, Mavs Legend Dirk Nowitzki

Count the Texas Rangers as big fans of Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki. That holds true for just about everyone in these parts.

Nowitzki officially learned Saturday that he’s a member of the latest class of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Everyone knew it was just a formality after an illustrious 21-year career that includes a 2011 NBA title, MVP award and 14 All-Star Game appearances. A statue of Nowitzki stands (fades away) outside of American Airlines Center.

“Well, I’ve been a huge fan of Dirk’s. I grew up in Dallas. He’s an icon here,” Rangers general manager Chris Young said Sunday. “What he’s done for this city, winning a championship for the Mavericks, just being a role model, a Hall-of-Fame caliber player on the court, but a Hall-of-Fame caliber person off the court.

“There’s no better representative of basketball, of the Dallas Mavericks and of, certainly, leadership in the sports world. I’m thrilled for him.”

Nowitzki has long professed his affection for the Rangers, throwing out the first pitch on several occasions, including Game 3 of the 2011 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals. The NBA’s sixth all-time leading scorer also struck up friendships with Rangers Hall of Famer Michael Young and other players.

The Rangers GM wouldn’t mind Nowitzki making an appearance at Globe Life Field this season.

“We’d love it,” Chris Young said. “We’d be thrilled to have Dirk here anytime he wants to come. He’s welcome.”

Nowitzki enters the Hall along with several notable playing greats – Dwyane Wade, Tony Parker and Pau Gasol – and San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich. Former Texas A&M women’s coach Gary Blair is also being enshrined.

“This is super cool,” Nowitzki said. “And I called my family, my immediate family … and my mom, right away, said, ‘I’m the mother of a Hall of Famer.’ That’s when it really set in.”

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You can follow Art Garcia on Twitter @ArtGarcia92.