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Dirk Nowitzki once showed doubt about Mavericks career, he almost missed playing with Luka Doncic

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aikansh Chaudhary | Last updated Jul 30, 2025 8:38 PM ET

Dirk Nowitzki spent all 21 years of his NBA career with the Dallas Mavericks.

Evidently, he became a franchise legend as he also led the Dallas Mavericks to their sole NBA Championship in 2011.

While Dirk Nowitzki played until he was 40 years old, it was obvious that he was far from his best during the final years of his NBA career.

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Dirk Nowitzki admitted he had regrets over the final two NBA seasons of his career

In a 2022 appearance on the Einfach mal Luppen podcast (h/t basketnews), Nowitzki discussed his NBA career. At the time, Dirk had already been retired for three years.

Nowitzki looked back at his career and admitted he should have retired from the NBA two years before he actually did in 2019.

“I keep thinking whether the last two years in the NBA were really worth it. Of course, there were highlights, but we didn’t perform well on the court, and I couldn’t even really move anymore.

“If I had quit two years earlier, I could probably move better today and play soccer with the kids sometimes. I can’t do that at all now,” Nowitzki said.

During the final two years of his career, Dirk averaged just 10.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game for the Mavs. But the franchise legend did claim that he extended his career because of the motivation to play.

“It’s always hard to find the right time when you stop. You’re still having fun, the body is still halfway functioning, and the motivation is still there,” Dirk added.

Dirk Nowitzki played the ‘super awesome’ sport with Luka Doncic

Nowitzki further shared his views on the game of basketball and how awesome it is to play, at least, until a player can move properly.

“It’s really a super awesome sport, really fun. But when you can’t move properly anymore, it’s hard. We still play a few times a week, but I can’t move much anymore,” he stated.

While Dirk had doubts about extending his career, it also had a silver lining. Yes, retiring after the 2018-19 NBA season allowed Nowitzki to share the court with Luka Doncic.

Nowitzki has always shared a great bond with Doncic. It was evident from him cutting ties with the Mavs following their decision to trade the Slovenian superstar.

But Dirk has still shonw up in the stands to support Doncic, even though he’s now a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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