Former Dallas Mavericks star forward Dirk Nowitzki is one of the best big men to ever play the game, playing 21 seasons in the NBA.
That type of longevity is rarely seen in the NBA, but it appears that his long career may have taken a toll on Nowitzki’s body in his life after basketball.
According to Alex Kennedy of Basketballnews.com, Nowitzki has some regrets about his long career, as some of his injuries over the years are unfortunately leading over into his personal life.
“I keep thinking whether the last two years in the NBA were really worth it,” Nowitzki said. “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.”
Dirk Nowitzki:
“I keep thinking whether the last two years in the NBA were really worth it.”
“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.”
(via @AlexKennedyNBA) pic.twitter.com/vdomhZWLCn
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) May 6, 2022
Nowitzki’s production in his final two years in the NBA took a nosedive, averaging just 12.0 points per game in 2017-18 and 7.3 points per game in his final season.
The 14-time All Star was always a bit plodding over the years, but it became more and more evident towards the tail end of Nowitzki’s career.
Regardless, it is extremely unfortunate news, and many around the NBA world have voiced their support for Nowitzki and his health going forward.
Dirk Nowitzki says he can’t play soccer with his kids “at all now” because of the physical damage to his body from his NBA. This is why I question whether the sacrifices we demand if athletic labor are justified. https://t.co/cjsR8qSwtE
— Nathan Kalman-Lamb (@nkalamb) May 7, 2022
This is sad. @swish41 is such solid dude. https://t.co/DIRFe9x2xs
— Haralabos Voulgaris (@haralabob) May 7, 2022
This is heartbreaking 💔 Dirk really gave us and the game all he had.. https://t.co/9zdAVrXbjr
— 🌕 (@CartierFye) May 8, 2022
Now that game 3 is over I want to turn my attention to Dirk. I love you big guy and I’m forever thankful for what you did for the city of Dallas and for my childhood. A class act, my hero. https://t.co/wbMyEJltLI
— 77 Cody (@MavsExpress) May 7, 2022
Tough to blame players who want to sit rest and protect their body. https://t.co/f2MJYo5Y2A
— Matthew Wolfson (@Matt_Wolfson) May 7, 2022
Nowitzki clearly gave the game everything that he had, and many former athletes reacted on social media voicing the sad truth of life after sports for many athletes.
What would I give to be able to run around and play with my kids…..
You got to pay to play….. https://t.co/JotO9wIjVU— Chester M. Pitts, II (@ChesterPitts) May 8, 2022
On a more positive note, Nowitzki says that despite his body feeling the effects of a long career, he is enjoying retirement as he currently has a role with the Mavericks as a consultant.
[Basketballnews.com, Legion Hoops]
