DALLAS — Dallas Mavericks icon Dirk Nowitzki spoke to local media in a press conference to discuss his looming induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. 

"This is a big week. I can't believe it's it's actually here," Nowitzki said in an opening statement. "You hear so much about whatever people say you're a first ballet and you go in the Hall of Fame and you're kind of just shrugging it off as, as a great compliment. And now we're actually here. 

"It still feels super surreal. I'm excited, but also of course, a little anxious and nervous for this weekend," Nowitzki explained. "We just got back from our travels last weekend. It's been a couple of busy days and I'm already going up to the hall tomorrow. Got some stuff already coming up Thursday, so can't wait to go."

"It'll be an exciting weekend with plenty of friends and family flying from all over the world," Nowitzki explained further. "So, we're looking forward to a great time."

Nowitzki reflects on a wide-range of topics, including reflections on key moments of his illustrious professional basketball career, both with the Mavs and with the German basketball federation. He shared some insight into what he will emphasize in his Hall of Fame speech, as well as the personal impact being honored in such a way has had on his family. 

Nowitzki's full press conference can be viewed in the embedded YouTube video below. Subscribe to my channel for more content about Nowitzki and the Mavs throughout the upcoming 2023-24 NBA season. 

The enshrinement ceremony will take place on Saturday, Aug. 12, and will be broadcasted live on NBA-TV. There will be full coverage of Nowitzki's festivities, including the press conference and speech, on DallasBasketball.com.

Grant Afseth is a Dallas Mavericks reporter for DallasBasketball.com and an NBA reporter for NBA Analysis Network. He previously covered the Indiana Pacers and NBA for CNHI's Kokomo Tribune and various NBA teams for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. Follow him on Twitter (@grantafseth), Facebook (@grantgafseth), and YouTube (@grantafseth).

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Timberwolves chew up Nuggets to force Game 7
Rangers secure spot in conference finals after stunning third-period comeback over Hurricanes
Xander Schauffele makes history in first round of PGA Championship
Yankees' Hal Steinbrenner shares massive Juan Soto contract update
Steelers' Cameron Heyward addresses contract holdout
Knicks star ruled out for potential closeout game
Dodgers starter undergoes season-ending UCL surgery
Clemson’s Dabo Swinney gives smug response about not using transfer portal
Caitlin Clark's debut was most-watched WNBA game in more than 20 years
Watch: Chris Kreider's natural third-period hat trick shatters Hurricanes' comeback hopes
Veteran NFL safety will either play for this team or retire in 2024
Former Red Wings head coach linked to open NHL job
How Patriots' Drake Maye has already impressed Jacoby Brissett
LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry among Forbes' highest-paid athletes for 2024
Steve Cohen addresses if Mets could again be trade-deadline sellers
Tiger Woods ruins strong first round with sloppy finish at PGA Championship
NFL responds to speculation about Chiefs schedule and Taylor Swift
Despite hopes for change, NASCAR championship weekend will return to Phoenix in 2025
Chiefs will achieve something not done since 1927 with 2024 schedule
Yankees' Aaron Judge comments on resurgence after bad slump