Apr 13, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) leaves the court after the loss to the San Antonio Spurs at the American Airlines Center. The Spurs defeat the Mavericks 96-91. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Dallas Mavericks Send Message To NBA Legend Dirk Nowitzki

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Jun 19, 2025 11:55 AM ET

Dirk Nowitzki is one of the best 50 players in NBA history.

The Hall of Fame forward (who spent all 21 years with the Dallas Mavericks) retired after the 2018-19 season.

On Thursday, Nowitzki is celebrating his 47th birthday.

Via NBA History: "Join us in wishing a Happy 47th Birthday to 14x #NBAAllStar, 2006-07 NBA MVP, 2010-11 NBA champion, 2011 #NBAFinals MVP and 75th Anniversary Team member, Dirk Nowitzki! #NBABDAY"

Join us in wishing a Happy 47th Birthday to 14x #NBAAllStar, 2006-07 NBA MVP, 2010-11 NBA champion, 2011 #NBAFinals MVP and 75th Anniversary Team member, Dirk Nowitzki! #NBABDAY pic.twitter.com/Tb8uknaHp4
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) June 19, 2025

One person who wished Nowitzki a happy birthday was the Mavs.

Their post had over 1,600 likes and 30,000 impressions in less than one hour.

Via The Dallas Mavericks: "Happy Birthday to The "

Happy Birthday to The @swish41 // #MFFL pic.twitter.com/ZmxbljIX2K
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) June 19, 2025

Nowitzki was the ninth pick in the 1998 NBA Draft.

He finished his legendary career with averages of 20.7 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists per contest while shooting 47.1% from the field and 38.0% from the three-point range in 1,522 games.

Via StatMuse: "Dirk Nowitzki in 21 seasons:

— 21/8
— 47/38/88%
— 14x All-Star
— 12x All-NBA
— MVP
— FMVP
— Most 3s by a power forward

The only big in NBA history to record a 50/40/90 season."

Dirk Nowitzki in 21 seasons:

— 21/8
— 47/38/88%
— 14x All-Star
— 12x All-NBA
— MVP
— FMVP
— Most 3s by a power forward

The only big in NBA history to record a 50/40/90 season. pic.twitter.com/p0cU1rtsYI
— StatMuse (@statmuse) August 15, 2022

Nowitzki led the Mavs to the 2011 NBA Championship over LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat.

Via StatMuse: "Dirk Nowitzki in the 2011 Finals:

26.0 PPG
9.7 RPG
97.8 FT% (45 for 46)

Finals MVP."