SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The standing ovation, and it lasted quite awhile, finally tapered off and Dirk Nowitzki started his hall of fame induction speech with a trademark.
No, not the one-legged fade.
But a self-deprecating proclamation when he was talking about his creative side, which he credited to former Mavericks’ coach Don Nelson.
After thanking Nellie for allowing a 7-footer to shoot a bunch of three-pointers, Nowitzki shifted gears.
“He was also very creative off the floor,” Nowitzki said of Nelson. “The stuff he came up with in speeches, they’re not kid-friendly, but it always came down to me having zero talent on defense. And he always let me know that.”
And with that, Nowitzki lightened the mood, got the crowd even more on his side and took us through his journey to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He delved into the qualities and values that paved his road to greatness.
And he never forgot who he was – a product of so many wonderful teachers through 21 NBA seasons, every moment of which was spent wearing Mavericks’ colors.
The crowd loved it. His standing ovation was long. Loud applause erupted at a dozen moments in his 15-minute speech.
And he paid homage to all the important people in his life by assigning a characteristic to all of them.
“I learned some qualities and some values that were taught to me by some very special people that were excellent teachers,” he said.
After the creativity, he went down the list.
Leadership: He credited Steve Nash, one of his presenters who entered the hall in 2018. “He was a great role model to me and the best teammate I ever had. A friend for life.”
Competitiveness: He gave a nod to his other presenter, coach Jason Kidd, who was by Dirk’s side for the 2011 championship. “Who better than my guy J-Kidd. I always remember when you came to us, you were already a little older. But you were a warrior. A wonderful, wonderful all-around player and we won a championship. We have a bond for life.”
Then, as an aside, Nowitzki got the crowd laughing again.
“I would have really loved to play together with those two guys in their primes, but unfortunately I had to deal with what they gave me,” he said.
Respect: Nowitzki was beyond respectful to the 2023 class of inductees, which included Tony Parker, Gregg Popovich, Pau Gasol and Dwyane Wade.
“I’m so excited to be a part of this class. I didn’t always like you guys. We competed at the highest level. But there was always an appreciation of you guys’ greatness.”
And he added his “utmost respect” for Popovich.
Loyalty: Perhaps Nowitzki’s most important and endearing trait. There was a reason he stayed 21 seasons with the same team, the only player ever to do so.
“The guy who embodies that in his life is my good friend Mark Cuban. You have a huge heart and you taught me a lot of lessons in loyalty.”
He then told the story of Cuban wanting to play one-on-one with Dirk after he bought the team.
“I drove left like I always do and I dunked it right on your head,” Nowitzki said. “We’ve had a great relationship ever since.”
Risk: Dirk also through a thank-you to the man who uncovered him.
“Donnie (Nelson), you found me in Wurzburg and you always believed in me when nobody else did,” he said. “That quality to me is the ability to take risk.
Details: Nowitzki’s championship coach, Rick Carlisle was on hand. And Nowitzki acknowledged his key characteristic.
“You have to master this perfectly,” he said of the basketball craft. “Coach Carlisle, you taught me how detail-oriented you have to be to win. Almost obsessive with attention to detail.
“But I had to retire. I could not have done another shootaround of yours. But you made us champions and we’ll forever be grateful.”
Nowitzki also credited Avery Johnson for making him “more than just a jump shooter.”
Michael Finley’s professionalism, a Mavs staff of medical and support staff that kept Nowitzki’s life as simple as possible – and relatively pain free until the end.
And then there were teammates.
“All my ex-teammates. Some of my guys from the 2011 championship team are here,” he said. “I couldn’t have done it without you. You guys carried me every night, on defense especially. And we have a bond for life.”
Then it was time to get personal.
Nowitzki gave the Mavericks’ fans a shoutout. And a large contingent jammed into Symphony Hall for the ceremony.
“You guys inspired and motivated me to always work hard,” he said. “I’ll always be proud to represent you and of course the Dallas Mavericks.”
And, of course, he could not have gone the night without acknowledging the greatness of his mentor, Holger Geschwindner.
“Innovation,” he said. “The one crazy guys who comes to mind, my coach Holger. You always thought outside the box. I had to walk through the gym in handstands. I had to play the saxophone. I had to play the saxophone while doing the handstand.
“What else can I say, you taught me everything, how to play.”
Then, it was time to thank his family. The group that included his sister, Silke, his parents and, of course, his wife and three kids.
“Humbleness,” he said. “I learned that from my parents. You sacrificed so much, put your lives on hold while Silke and I chased our athletic dreams.”
He then spoke heartfelt German words to them.
Finally, he honored his wife, Jessica and three kids with a fitting finish to his speech.
Passion: “Jess, your passion for our family is incredible,” he said. “When you want something, you will work so hard to get it. Thanks so much for everything you do for our family, our kids. We’re lucky to have you in our lives.
“And curiosity. I got the best three teachers here tonight. Our kids. Stay curious and hungry. Find your passion and work hard.
It’s always important in life to have drive to improve, to never be satisfied. Always see yourself as someone who wants to learn and not see yourself as someone who knows everything already. I’ve had so many great lessons taught to me by incredible teachers. And you will find them, too.
Just as their dad did.
Twitter: @ESefko
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