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Aug 12, 2023; Springfield, MA, USA; Dirk Nowitzki gives his speech as he is inducted into the 2023 Basketball Hall of Fame at Symphony Hall. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

'I Was Just Watching Him' – Dallas Mavericks Icon Dirk Nowitzki Credits Former Showtime Lakers Guard For Helping His NBA Career

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Sep 5, 2025 8:28 AM ET

Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki had one of the best careers in the NBA. He spent 21 long seasons in the league and gained the respect of every star and fan for what he did. He became arguably the best European star. Also, no one can forget the iconic 2011 playoff run he had when he defeated the Portland Trail Blazers, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Miami Heat.

But all good careers had to start somewhere. When Nowitkzi first arrived in the US, he struggled to adjust to the pace and physicality of the NBA. Although he played all 82 games in his rookie season, he averaged 8.2 points and 3.4 rebounds on 20.6% shooting from three.

Fortunately for the German star, there was someone to look up to who helped his career early on. According to Nowitzki, AC Green, a former member of the Showtime Lakers, was an inspiration to him. They were teammates in Dallas for just one season, but the one-time Finals MVP learned a lot from him.

Nowitzki opened up about it during his interview with “The Dallas Morning News.” The 14-time All-Star revealed how Green helped him with his transition to the NBA.

“I had a guy called AC Green. He played with the Showtime Lakers and was an ultimate pro. Played like 800 games straight or something. He had the longest Ironman streak. He was on the team my first year and I was just watching him. He was ripped at age 38, 39. I watched his every move in practice. How does he prepare? Does he stretch?” said Nowitzki.

It resulted in the Dallas Mavericks icon playing for 21 years and having plenty of fruitful seasons.

Nowitzki believes in the current Dallas Mavericks roster

Feb 8, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) and guard Kyrie Irving (11) celebrate after Davis dunks the ball during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Dallas Mavericks made significant moves to improve their roster. They’re entering the 2025-26 NBA season without their All-Star guard, Kyrie Irving. It’s expected that Irving will miss significant time away from as he’s recovering from a torn ACL, which he sustained late last season.

Dallas signed D’Angelo Russell as the temporary replacement for Irving. The Mavs also re-signed Dante Exum and gave PJ Washington a four-year contract extension. Nowitzki appeared on “The DLLS Mavs Podcast” and gave his take on his former team’s current roster.

“If they’re healthy, they’re one of the deepest teams,” the 2007 MVP said. “If you look at the front court, how it’s loaded with talented players… they have two or three players at every position, especially when Kyrie comes back… Once he comes back and he’s the old Kyrie, that’s a heck of a team that’s super loaded.”

Aside from Irving, the Mavs still have Anthony Davis, rookie Cooper Flagg and productive role players.

Feb 8, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) drives to the basket past forward Anthony Davis (3) and Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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