Dallas Mavericks: Ranking the top-10 players of the decade

1. Dirk Nowitzki

Everyone knew that first-place was going to go to Dirk Nowitzki. Dirk is the greatest Dallas Maverick and possibly the greatest athlete in Dallas history. Dirk unquestionably changed the way basketball is played. Dirk’s influence on today’s game is often overlooked, and underappreciated. Dirk more than any other power-forward  revolutionized the game. Nowitzki’s deadly three-point shooting made back to the basket post players a thing of the past.

People often say “but Dirk only has one ring.” Forgetting a few things: Karl Malone, and Charles Barkley have none. Kevin Garnett only has one, and he helped form a “super-team” to get it.

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During Dirks 21 seasons, only five teams represented the Western Conference in the NBA finals. The  Los Angeles Lakers (7),San Antonio Spurs (6),  Golden State Warriors (5), Dallas Mavericks (2), and Oklahoma City Thunder (1). Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry were the only two Mavericks to make both trips to the finals. That’s an often understated point. Tim Duncan had the stability of the Spurs franchise, and all-star teammates throughout his career.

The city of Dallas embraced Dirk, and he made Dallas home. From taking team friendly contracts to help bring in other players, or giving the “hometown hookup”. To turning down an offer to join Kobe Bryant and the Lakers. Dirk’s loyalty to Dallas is second to none.

On and off the court Dirk was a class act from the beginning. In 2001 The Dirk Nowitzki foundation was formed. A charitable foundation that helps kids in need. From hand delivering Christmas gifts to Scottish Rite hospital in Dallas to spending time playing with kids at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth Dirk has always believed in giving back. Dirk once said,

"“I was obviously very fortunate, very blessed growing-up in Germany and I was able to travel when I was young and just see different parts of the world, and was able to see early on that there’s a lot of need in the world. So when I was in position to help. I helped, and we’ve been doing some great projects.”."

Thank you Dirk for the great work you continue to Do.