Dirk Nowitzki recently was named a Hall of Famer for his honored career with the Dallas Mavericks. The German player is one of the most beloved stars in NBA history and even his former rivals praise him.
Kevin Durant recently spoke about Dirk, saying that the German legend should be the last person to speak in the upcoming Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
“I see [Dirk Nowitzki] finishing it off [as the final speaker at the HOF induction]. Longest career, just most storied career,” KD said in a recent edition of his The ETCs podcast.
.@KDTrey5 on the newest Hall of Fame class:
"I see @swish41 [as the final speaker at the HOF induction]. Longest career, just most storied career."
📺 New ETCs out now: https://t.co/AZqx9Sd8fa pic.twitter.com/qx5bEfJoec
— Boardroom (@boardroom) April 5, 2023
When co-host Eddie Gonzalez asked about Dirk’s impact on other players, Durant revealed how much he admired Nowitzki growing up.
“For sure, he inspired a lot of bigs to step out and work on their jump shots. He had an unstoppable shot himself that he coined and just created, and everybody followed around the world. A lot of people don’t talk about the fact that the one-legged fade is just a staple in the game. And it was used by him mostly his whole career. Yeah, he impacted me as a young player, and a lot of my friends as well. Somebody from Europe who can shoot it that well at that size, at that point, when he came in ’98?
.JPG)
“And then in the early 2000s, he really solidified himself as one of the best players in the league so it’s well-deserved. [He had a] storied, storied career. Somebody I respect to the highest of powers.”
congrats to an OG @swish41 https://t.co/FKkywdxeMJ
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) April 5, 2023
They had big battles in the NBA during their time in the association. Dirk beat KD and his Oklahoma City Thunder’s Big 3 on the way to his first and only NBA championship back in 2011. That playoffs run is considered one of the most memorable in NBA history, and Dirk earned a lot of respect during that season.
Dirk Nowitzki Reacts After Being Selected Into The Basketball Hall Of Fame
Dirk was announced a Hall of Fame inductee over the weekend, and the German player couldn’t hide his excitement, sharing a couple of tweets to celebrate this honor.
Amazing class! So humbled and honored https://t.co/Xa2CaqweA6
— Dirk Nowitzki (@swish41) April 1, 2023
Truly honored to be part of this amazing Hall of Fame class 2023. Can’t wait for august! pic.twitter.com/ECbhGGTUYy
— Dirk Nowitzki (@swish41) April 4, 2023
This ceremony is set to take place next August, in a week that will have many celebrations for Dirk and the rest of the inductees, like Dwyane Wade, Pau Gasol, and Tony Parker, among others.
Source: fadeawayworld.net
