Dirk Nowitzki Biography

Dec 27, 2006

Dunkin' Dirk Nowitzki is trying to lead the Dallas Mavericks to their first NBA title. Find out more about this b-ball superstar right here.

Dirk Nowitzki - Athletic Roots

Dirk Nowitzki was born in 1979 in Wurzburg, Germany. He came from a very athletic and tall family, with his mom being a former member of the German women's national basketball team and his dad being an international handball player. Dirk didn't start shooting hoops until he was 13, but by the time he turned 16, he was nearly 7 feet tall and had developed into a strong all around basketball player. After leading a team of international junior players to a surprise victory over a US junior team at a tournament in 1998, NBA scouts began to take notice.

Dirk Nowitzki - From Deutschland to Dallas

Dirk Nowitzki was drafted in the first round of the 1998 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks, who immediately traded him to the Dallas Mavericks. After a disappointing rookie season, Nowitzki emergered as a star in 2000 and was named the NBA's most improved player. The following season, Nowitzki averaged 21.8 points per game and led the Mavericks to their first playoff appearance in 11 years. He also became the first member of the Mavs to be named to the All-NBA Team.

Dirk Nowitzki - NBA Superstar

Dirk Nowitzki's rare combination of size and athleticism has made him one of the best all around players in the NBA. He is one of the top shooters in the game and his seven-foot frame makes it difficult for defenders to guard his shots. He has also become a strong rebounder and is one of the league's top free-throw shooters. While his defensive game could use some work, he has made tremendous strides since entering the NBA. Nowitzki's emergence as a basketball star has also led the NBA to look for more players from Europe such as Tony Parker and Pau Gasol. Nowitzki was named to the 2006 NBA All-Star Team and led the Mavs to their first ever appearance in the NBA Finals.