From one European icon to another.
Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic expressed his love for the Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki.
In his postgame media availability following a tough loss against the Mavericks on Monday, Jokic tipped his hat off on one of the greatest players to ever play the game.
“He’s one of the few guys that was playing for one team their whole life, whole career,” Jokic when asked about what are his favorites on Nowitzki, via Nuggets insider Mike Singer. “He won the title, he won the ring, and I really, really admire him.
“Just because of that. Because he didn’t quit, he didn’t abandon the team. I really admire that.”
Jokic also acknowledged the fearful traits of Nowitzki, even calling the future Hall of Famer “unstoppable”.
“Basketball-wise he was really, really … like a killer,” Jokic said. “He had that instinct. He could give you 40, 50. He was unstoppable.”
A German prospect who entered the NBA as the 9th pick of the 1998 Draft, he then revolutionized the big man position with his unparalleled shooting arsenal and sweet, sizzling stroke. His lethal fadeaway shots and extraordinary marksmanship from the field made him a fearsome foe on the offensive end.
More than his gifted basketball abilities, Nowitzki remains truly admired for sticking with the Mavs through ups and downs. In the 2000s era that was widely dominated by the late, great Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers and Tim Duncan’s San Antonio Spurs, he remained committed to seeing the day he’ll be able to give the franchise its first title. And it was in 2011, the dream came true, as he spearheaded Dallas to its maiden championship behind his own memorable playoff performances – even more spectacular than he overpowered the heavily-favored Miami Heat’s Big 3 of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh in the NBA Finals.
For Jokic, Nowitzki’s career and journey are treasurable. Certainly, many fans of the sport are also rooting for him to deliver the Mile High City’s first crown in history one day.
