Dirk Nowitzki

The greatest European player in NBA history — spent all 21 seasons with the Dallas Mavericks and led them to the 2011 championship, dismantling LeBron's Miami Heat superteam in one of the most celebrated Finals upsets. His one-legged fadeaway became one of basketball's most iconic and unguardable shots. Won the MVP in 2007 and retired as a 14-time All-Star with over 31,000 career points.

Dirk Werner Nowitzki was born in Wurzburg, Germany in 1978 and was discovered playing basketball by scout Holger Geschwindner who became his lifelong coach and mentor. The Dallas Mavericks drafted him ninth overall in 1998 and he spent all 21 seasons there — one of sport's most admired examples of one-club loyalty. He won the NBA championship in 2011, defeating the Miami Heat's so-called superteam of LeBron, Wade and Bosh, winning the Finals MVP. He won the regular season MVP in 2007 — the first European player to win the award. He averaged 20.7 points and 7.5 rebounds across 1,522 career games. His one-legged fade-away became one of basketball's most celebrated individual shots. He pioneered the stretch power forward concept — a big man who could step beyond the arc — revolutionising how the position is played. He represented Germany at four Olympics and three World Championships. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023 and named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. His 21-year career at a single franchise, combined with his grace and consistency, made him one of basketball's most universally admired figures.

Tall shooter with signature fadeaway, versatile scorer

Greatest European player ever, transformed NBA big man role

• NBA Champion 2011 (Dallas Mavericks)
• NBA MVP 2007
• Finals MVP 2011
• All-Star 14x
• All-NBA First Team 4x
• Olympic Gold 2016 (Germany – flag bearer)
• EuroBasket 2005 (Germany)
• NBA 75th Anniversary All-Time Team