Dirk Nowitzki Re-signs with Dallas Mavericks: Team Roster for 2016-2017 NBA Season
No other team is better than the Mavericks, seems to be the ethos of the franchise's all-time leading scorer Dirk Nowitzki after a new contract was penned and signed, but within undisclosed term. This is, however, another piece of the puzzle to answer the question where Nowitzki will go this 2016-2017.
To recall, Nowitzki made statements post finals that he is opting out of his contract with the Mavericks and at the same time calling to the Dallas' head of basketball operations Donnie Nelson that there is a need to make drastic actions if the Mavericks need to get to the playoffs or finals again.
"We had one more year on the contract, but I think this is the right thing to do. We're going to sit with Mark and Donnie obviously over the next few weeks and figure out how to improve this franchise again," Nowitzki said earlier.
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Meanwhile, Nelson said Nowitzki is a one-of-a-kind player for the team. "There is not a player that I've been around that has his kind of winning software. He's our Roger [Staubach], our Troy [Aikman], our Mike Modano, Nolan Ryan. That's who he is, so he deserves the courtesy of the first sit-down," he added.
Dallas Mavericks responded that even there is a possibility of Nowitzki ending in the free agency, they will be very happy to give him another two-year deal.
Option to become a free agent after the first year is also floated during that time. Since the veteran Nowitzki has spent his entire NBA career with the Mavs, the ruffle is the first time his loyalty is put in check, after mentioning the possibility of joining another squad despite his willingness to remain with the Mavs.
During his 18-year stay in Dallas, Nowitzki served as a beacon toward the franchise's first-ever 60 win season in 2002-03 then the first NBA Finals appearance in 2006 followed after another a franchise-high 67 wins. The crowning glory was the 2011 NBA championship when the Mavs shelved Miami Heat.
Nowitzki averaged 22 points per game, 7.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists within 35.3 minutes of gameplay and currently holds the title as Mavs' ace in all statistics including points, rebounds and free throw accuracy.
He is also known to be one of few players who can further elevate their performance during the playoffs, averaging since with a staggering 25.3 points per game, 10.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists within 40.6 minutes inside the court.
In the 2015-2015 season, Nowitzki became just the sixth player in NBA history to register at least 29,000 career points.
With Nowitzki staying with the club, the starters for the 2016-2017 season is largely unchanged; Andrew Bogut will remain under the basket while Harrison Barnes will take the other wing of the court together with Nowitzki. On the frontline will be Wesley Matthews and Deron Williams.
