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Dallas Mavericks: Dirk Nowitzki coming off the bench in what could be his final season

By Carl Daley

DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 18: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on October 18, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 18: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on October 18, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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The Dallas Mavericks are preparing for the 2018 regular season. Mavericks star, Dirk Nowitzki could be coming off of the bench during his final season.

The Dallas Mavericks made a big splash during free agency when they acquired DeAndre Jordan however this may have had some unintended consequences. Dirk Nowitzki could be feeling the brunt of the impact as he will likely be the player most affected by his acquisition.

Let’s explore how Jordan’s addition will impact Nowitzki and the Mavericks this season.

During his 21st season in the NBA, Nowitzki will find it tough to make that big of an impact on the floor. He has been relegated to the center position over the last two seasons because of father time catching up with him.

The 40-year-old has struggled to move around with the shiftiness and agility of his NBA counterparts. This season will probably see him spend most of his time on the bench as Jordan should command a large number of minutes. Nowitzki to his credit has taken this change with a ton of grace.

It is not easy for legends to quietly fade into the night and Nowitzki’s biggest concern at this stage in his career is just to win some games. Winning has to be the top priority as Dirk would like to see the Mavericks have at least a winning season prior to his retirement.

The Dallas Mavericks appear to be in good hands and Nowitzki’s looming retirement has forced the Mavericks to think about the future instead of living in the past. Nowitzki will be focused on staying loose and keeping his body in the shape it needs to be to get through the grueling NBA regular season.

He averaged 12 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 24.7 minutes throughout his time on the floor in 2017. Nowitzki’s direct “replacement” Luka Doncic has been the talk of the offseason for better or worse and it is pretty obvious his is being put in a position to give him as much success as possible.

A starting lineup with Dennis Smith Jr/Wesley Matthews/Harrison Barnes/Luka Doncic/and Jordan would be pretty threatening and even Nowitzki can see that this team is focused on the future.

The addition of DSJ basically laid the groundwork for what the Dallas Mavericks wanted to do offensively and from a front office standpoint. Finding an effective big man became the key to their success.

Dirk has been a productive and competent center offensively however it is his defense that has given the Mavericks the biggest headache. He simply cannot compete with some of the most gifted players at that position.

A 20-year starter in the NBA, this will mark the first season in which Nowitzki comes off of the bench for the Dallas Mavericks, that alone is an impressive fact.

Next. How big of a role will Dirk play?. dark

Dirk will be playing with mostly reserves as he looks to help this team make the playoffs.

  • Published on 10/12/2018 at 02:25 AM
  • Last updated at 10/12/2018 at 05:34 AM
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