As Dirk Nowitzki steps onto the Hall of Fame stage Saturday, a dedicated group of Dallas Mavericks employees will cheer him on back home with immense pride.
These individuals are the longest-tenured employees of the Mavs, and they have witnessed the 7-foot German evolve from a doe-eyed rookie to become one of the best to play the game.
Their small memories pull back the curtain and give insight into Nowitzki’s personality. Desiree Scott remembers how Dirk brought his towels from Germany “just in case.”
Meanwhile, Lindsay Oster shared how a staff member would make Dirk home-cooked meals, and then he’d bring back the dishes.
Clay Christopher recalls greeting Dirk at the airport and watching the lanky young man fumble with his bags getting into the elevator. “Looking back, it wasn’t much different than how he often looked on the court at times,” Christopher quipped.
Over the years, Dirk’s impact has extended far beyond the basketball court.
He’s a beloved figure in the Dallas community, using his platform to make a difference in the lives of millions of people. The Mavs employees who stood by his side witnessed his genuine kindness, dedication and humility, as he always took time to connect with those around him.
And while Dirk’s impact on the NBA, Mavericks organization and the city of Dallas is immeasurable, the influence he had on those who worked closest to him is equally profound. Here are their stories.
Mike Childers,
Dallas Mavs Vice President of Ticket Operations
Started part-time in 1980, full-time in 1988 (ticket seller)
MAVS.COM: When was the first time you met Dirk and what were your initial impressions of him? What really stuck out to you that others might not always see?
CHILDERS: Ha, well my initial impression was “Why in the hell did we draft him!” I knew nothing of him. I’m glad that I was really wrong about that. My favorite two memories of Dirk were watching him sit at Lisa Tyner’s desk, just talking and signing autographs for hours and he did it all the time, not just once a year or something.
The second one was when he’d sit with Theta [Hall] at the receptionist desk. The look on people’s faces when they’d walk in was priceless. I also just love how fun of a person he is. I don’t think most people know how funny he is.
MAVS.COM: What are some personal career highlights for you working for the Mavs? Are there particular memories or moments still etched in your heart all these years later and what still sticks out?
CHILDERS: Except for a couple of career changes, my entire work career has been at the Mavericks. Each decade has kind of been unique and shows the ups and downs of the sports business. When I started in the 80’s we were up and coming, very exciting and the ultimate were the Western Conference Finals in 1988 (I believe). The 90’s we were so bad, I’ll never forget being 4-57 early in March. It was painful to watch, but really it was a great time to work here because the staff had such a close bond. The 2000’s were fun when Mark bought the team and watching Dirk turn into a superstar. He was just so good, so consistent. Even when he had a bad half, you knew it would turn it around in the second half. Obviously 2011 was the ultimate, we won’t talk about 2006.
MAVS.COM: If Dirk was reading these words, what do you want him to know?
CHILDERS: He was a great player and a phenomenal talent and a pleasure to watch, but the best thing about Dirk is just how good of a person he is. I’ve worked here a long time and there’s not many other players, especially star players, that are as humble, professional, and just a normal person as Dirk. He has been a great role model, not just for athletes, but for all people.
Billy Phillips,
VP of Corporate Sponsorships
Hired in 1993 (Corporate Account Executive)
MAVS.COM: When was the first time you met Dirk and what were your initial impressions of him? What really stuck out to you that others might not always see?
PHILLIPS: We were asked to go to the airport for Dirk’s arrival, just to make him feel welcomed in Dallas. Of course, Dirk was impressed that such a large crowd was there to welcome him! He found out later we were told to attend. He shares that story even to this day. We later followed him to the gym, and he worked out; he was a pretty good right-handed shooter, and then he made a few shots with his left. I said to my coworkers: “This guy might be pretty good.”
MAVS.COM: What are some personal career highlights for you working for the Mavs? Are there particular memories or moments still etched in your heart all these years later and what still sticks out?
PHILLIPS: I do not think Dirk ever said no to me. He was incredibly gracious with his time, and likeness. I remember several times I had to ask him if we could produce a replica jersey for a giveaway per NBA approval rules. Dirk asked me, “will it help you?” I told him it would help our organization, our partner, and the kids would like it, and yes it would help me. He said “YES.”
MAVS.COM: If Dirk was reading these words, what do you want him to know?
PHILLIPS: Please never change, I have been around hundreds of professional athletes in my 46 years in professional sports, and I have never been around a nicer person. Also, Dirk, please pass on that knowledge, wisdom, and advice to others.
Desiree Scott,
Senior Director Corporate Sponsorships
Hired in 1996-97 (Ticket Sales)
MAVS.COM: When was the first time you met Dirk and what were your initial impressions of him? What really stuck out to you that others might not always see?
SCOTT: I can always say I was at the airport when he arrived. I remember receiving a phone call from my then-manager who said, “Mr. Perot wanted as many of us to go to the airport and greet our new player, oh and if you can, make a sign too.” I said, at the “BIG” airport, right?
Well, I didn’t make a sign, but I took my husband and off we went to DFW airport. I think it was a Sunday too. As we waited, we finally saw him through the glass as he was pushing his own cart with his luggage, he had a bowl haircut and a hoop earring, he looked so young. I heard he even brought his own towels just in case…. Dirk is priceless!
MAVS.COM: What are some personal career highlights for you working for the Mavs? Are there particular memories or moments still etched in your heart all these years later and what still sticks out?
SCOTT: My personal career highlights were starting the Spanish radio broadcast for the Mavs and being complimented by our then-PR director, Kevin Sullivan, who told me I did something he couldn’t accomplish. This wasn’t true as Kevin became the communications director for President George W. Bush. Sully was instrumental helping me get the entire broadcast started.
And a Mavs career highlight was having George Killebrew promote me from the ticket sales department to the corporate sponsorship department. Back then, I was one of 2-3 Latinas at the Mavs and one of the only promotions from within for many years at the Mavs.
My heartbreak came in 2006, when I couldn’t even stay in the building and watch the Heat celebrate on our floor! After the game I didn’t stay for the ceremony…if all I can give them are my eyes watching them celebrate I couldn’t. I left and when I walked into the parking garage, I saw [fellow Mavs employee] Ryan Mackey outside too. He was just as heartbroken.
But I think I learned how to be a graceful loser. Dirk’s epic battle with Tracey McGrady was unbelievable, also, watching him lose a tooth.
MAVS.COM: If Dirk was reading these words, what do you want him to know?
SCOTT: Dirk showed all of us how to win with grace and, more importantly, how to lose and how to pick yourself up…. I was there when he received his MVP award from David Stern, and it was obvious how sad and hurt he was. His accomplishment was earned, but us losing in that first round, it was a gut punch. Dirk going into the Basketball Hall of Fame with Pop and Tony Parker is kind of fitting for two reasons. Back in the early 2000’s it took us forever to beat the Spurs and those playoff rounds were unbelievable! That foul from Ginobili was epic and it wasn’t even the WCF (I think or maybe it was 😊) ….and in my heart I believe San Antonio gave Dirk the most memorable farewell.
When Dirk was playing, I don’t think I ever asked him for a personal autograph or picture. However, every summer I would ask Lisa [Tyner], if I could bring in the twins and get a picture. I have pics of Dirk holding the twins as they got older and eventually, they stood next to him.
One time I brought the twins, and there was a camera crew following Dirk (which as a staff we all got used to, so it wasn’t a big deal) and who knew, but when the Perfect Shot came out, my kids made the cut and are in the movie!
Here’s the last memory: at one of the games, I had the twins with me, and Dirk saw [my daughter] Victoria and he asked her just super-casually, “where’s your sister?” Oh my gosh Victoria was so excited she ran down the arena floor shouting, “Mia, Dirk was asking for you!”
Good guys can and do win, finish first….
Gail O’Bannon
Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer
Hired in 2002 (Account Executive, Temp)
MAVS.COM: When was the first time you met Dirk and what were your initial impressions of him? What really stuck out to you that others might not always see?
O’BANNON: I thought to myself, “He’s tall!” LOL! One thing that stood out was his commitment to his fans and Mavs fans. He would come to Mavs HQ on a regular basis to read and autograph fan mail, he had several bins full and would stay for hours. He did this on a regular basis throughout his career. He truly appreciated and valued his fans.
MAVS.COM: What are some personal career highlights for you working for the Mavs? Are there particular memories or moments still etched in your heart all these years later and what still sticks out?
O’BANNON: There are too many to count and recall … it’s Dirk’s commitment of giving 100% of himself both on and off the court. One memory has to be after the Mavs secured the Western Conference Finals in 2011. Dirk shared words about already having one of those [MVP] trophies and his demeanor and tone were locked on the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy. It was an emotional moment for sure! It wasn’t just a statement of ambition; he was letting the world know he was 110% committed in bringing home the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Another favorite memory is watching Dirk and the team win the 2011 NBA championship and walking off the plane that next morning with the trophies (Larry O’Brien and MVP), it’s still surreal. Winning the 2011 NBA Championship, the parade and him singing “We are the Champions” in the key of Dirk! LOL!
MAVS.COM: If Dirk was reading these words, what do you want him to know?
O’BANNON: There’s so much one can say about him, he’s talented, a leader, an NBA champion, he’s loyal, he’s respected and respectful, he’s humble, a trailblazer and he’s an NBA Hall of Fame Inductee!
Keep being Dirk! #DoYou
Congratulations!
Lindsay Oster,
Influencer & Events Manager
Hired in 2003 (Receptionist)
MAVS.COM: When was the first time you met Dirk and what were your initial impressions of him? What really stuck out to you that others might not always see?
OSTER: When I started with the Mavs, I was one of two receptionists and Dirk would come in on a pretty regular basis when the team was in town to take care of things like his fan mail and other personal or Mavs related business.
He always just so friendly to everyone. He didn’t just get buzzed in and walk to the back and hide. He would stop and talk to us at the front desk. He had a great relationship with the other receptionist, and she’d bring in home-cooked meals that he’d take with him and then he’d bring the dish back. He’d look down every aisle as people worked and wave to people.
Dirk never came in with an air about him like he was too good to be there or didn’t want to talk to anyone. You just don’t expect some of his notoriety to be so humble and gracious.
Kory Nix,
Senior Director of Corporate Sponsorships
Hired in 2004
NIX: These are my favorite memories of Dirk on and off the court…
Special moment on the court:
I started in August in 2004 and one of the first games I saw was the December 2nd game versus Houston and Dirk had 53 and Tracy McGrady had 48 and they went back and forth all night. It was one of the historic nights in Dirk’s early career and I got to see the fans’ faces and reactions for the first time after a huge Dirk game.
The joy that I saw that night and reaction of Mavs fans of all ages was incredible and that continued throughout the over 650 home games that I saw Dirk play! This continued through his final home game when there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. During the ceremony, there wasn’t one person in the concourse and everywhere who didn’t shed a tear! Dirk was a very special player.
Special moment off the court:
Dirk did as many corporate requests as possible that he could and that we asked of him! I have never seen a player in my 19 years do more for every different department of an organization. From corporate meetings, season ticket holder events, Hoop Camp appearances, signing autographs, taking pictures, post-game meet and greets, an unbelievable amount of community engagements including hospital visits – he rarely said no! He did it all and always did it with a smile, great attitude and made everyone he met feel special. It has been cool to see him grow from an 18 year old with a language barrier to over the years be able to walk into any corporate office or event and crack jokes, break the ice and make everyone feel comfortable and important.
Clay Christopher,
Senior Director of Corporate Sponsorships
Hired in 1996 (Corporate Account Executive)
MAVS.COM: When was the first time you met Dirk and what were your initial impressions of him? What really stuck out to you that others might not always see?
CHRISTOPHER: You probably heard this from others, but we were asked to make Dirk feel welcome and greet him at the airport. I’m one of the few still around now that was at DFW with other staff members when he first arrived to here in Dallas from Germany.
I recall how he was a deer in headlights and struggled just to get off the elevator while hunched over fumbling with his luggage.
Looking back, it wasn’t much different than how he often looked on the court at times. 😊
My guess is his first thought was, “Who are these people and why are they here to see me?”
MAVS.COM: What are some personal career highlights for you working for the Mavs? Are there particular memories or moments still etched in your heart all these years later and what still sticks out?
CHRISTOPHER: The “Uncle Dirk” video and him losing it during the game, his last game celebration and other tributes (including Holger tearing up in the stands), the Game 7 win in San Antonio with the Ginobili and one foul, the pain and disappointment on his face following the game 6 loss in Miami in 2006, all the huge shots and big plays from the 2011 finals series, and the hug with Jet at center court followed by the emotional retreat to the tunnel/locker room after finally getting the championship.
I also can’t leave out the scoreboard features – because Dirk was a guy who had no problem putting himself out there — from the Napoleon Dynamite dancing to the Mick Jagger Rolling Stones air guitar and lip syncs.
I could go on and on but these are a few of the highlights that popped into my mind.
MAVS.COM: If Dirk was reading these words, what do you want him to know?
CHRISTOPHER: I’m not sure Dirk needs encouragement, he’s reached the top, not only as a player but as a person. I tell friends/clients how lucky we were and still are to have him here in Dallas. He spoiled us. Humble, gentle, caring, funny, and a true treasure on and off the court. I don’t think we’ll ever come across another athlete like him, not only in the NBA, but all of sports.
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