Dirk Nowitzki further revealed his thought process behind his potential upcoming free agency today when appearing on “The Ben and Skin Show” on 105.3 The Fan.
One month after saying on 1310 The Ticket that he was planning to opt out and sign back with the Mavericks this summer, Nowitzki told The Fan hosts that he isn’t completely sure of his decision quite yet. He has until the final week of June to accept or decline his player option, and his decision could potentially depend in part on what general manager Donnie Nelson and proprietor Mark Cuban believe could help the franchise most. Nowitzki has already met with Nelson and said he’ll meet with Cuban soon.
“Just trying to find out what the best (thing to do) is,” he said. “Is it best to stay in the contract and play next year and keep the same pay, or should I opt out? Is that best for the franchise? Just trying to find out from Donnie and Mark what’s out there, what the plan is. So, 100%, my mind’s not made up, but I’m leaning toward opting out and trying to help, and see what’s out there.”
Listen to the full audio below.
The 37-year-old Nowitzki said he does hope to play at least two more seasons, which would take him to 20 in his legendary career. Currently sitting just more than 500 points away from 30,000 for his career, the German will become just the sixth player in NBA history to reach that milestone. Obviously individual accolades don’t matter to Nowitzki as much as they might to his fans, as the 2011 Finals MVP would rather compete for a second championship in his final seasons in the league.
Nelson, Cuban, and Rick Carlisle have all said publicly that they have no plans to rebuild as long as the Mavericks are in a position to compete for a playoff spot and make a potential run in the Western Conference, especially as long as Nowitzki is part of the organization. Of course the Dallas front office would love to add young talent through both the NBA Draft and free agency, but not if it means sacrificing competitive standing in the loaded West.
“Tanking is just not part of my DNA, not the way I’m wired,” he said. “I want to win, I want to compete. … I want to have the feeling this franchise is going for it. I think that’s what these fans deserve. We’ve had some of the most loyal fans there. I think the sellout streak is still going, as far as I’m concerned. They deserve better than for us to just tank and go for a high draft pick. That’s not what Mark and Donnie and the whole franchise stand for.
“But I do understand that decision. If a franchise decides to take a few steps back to eventually take another step forward, then I understand that decision. But I don’t need to be a part of that.”
Nowitzki still has some time to make his final decision regarding his contract, but regardless of what happens, he has no plans to play for another team. He will be a Maverick in 2016-17, just like he’s always been.
The German talked about much more than just his contract on the show. Here are some highlights.
On teammate Chandler Parsons’ fashion sense: “His choice of wardrobe is very interesting. I think in one of the playoff games he wore a wife-beater under the suit jacket. It’s not my style, but I guess that’s what’s hot these days, and that’s what he’s rocking.”
On changes to his strict diet in the offseason: “At least one month in the summer here, I eat everything and drink everything in sight. I enjoy that. I really do. I sometimes miss the drinks, and the wines, and the ice creams a little bit, the pizzas, during the season. But it’s a sacrifice that I’ve got to make, especially as I’ve gotten even older. So this month, I’ve been on a tear. I’ve gained almost 10 pounds. But it should be good for my baseball swing. I think I’m gonna lay a little more weight behind it and maybe I’ll get it out of the infield. ”
On trash-talking in the NBA: “We’ve had some good ones over the years. I think (Kevin Garnett) was definitely up there. His style is so intense, and it’s almost like he wants to intimidate you a little bit. Especially early in my career, he always tried to tell me things. I learned over the years just to ignore. I don’t really get involved in much. I want to play my game, I want to focus on myself and the team. Once in a while it is fun to throw a few lines around, a little “And one!” or “You’re too little!” or something like that, I might throw around here and there. Gary Payton was a great one. We had a few in this league, but honestly it’s not as much as you’d expect or think.”
On his Heroes Celebrity Baseball Game: “It’s been a humbling experience. Not only the fans — we’ve sold it out the last few years — but also the celebs flying in from all over the place, the local guys come out. The Cowboys accepting and respecting that game so much to come out every year. … It’s been incredible to see all these people support this game, and hopefully we’ll make it fun again for everybody involved, with the fireworks, the home runs. It’s always a fun event.” (He also said Parsons has claimed he can throw a 90-mile-per-hour fastball.)
He’s also never seen a single “Star Wars” film.
The Ben and Skin Show airs weekdays from 3-7 p.m. on 105.3 The Fan.
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