7 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Dirk Nowitzki

By Michael Terrill

7 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk Nowitzki
Getty Images

Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki is one of the greatest NBA players of the past 15 years. He’s an NBA champion, NBA Finals MVP, NBA MVP and a 12-time All-Star. He also ranks 10th all-time in scoring. Nowitzki is a rather private man, although there is still plenty that is known about him. With that said, here are seven things you probably didn’t know about Nowitzki.

7. His Parents Were Both Professional Athletes

His Parents Were Both Professional Athletes
Getty Images

7. His Parents Were Both Professional Athletes

His Parents Were Both Professional Athletes
Getty Images

Nowitzki’s father Jörg-Werner was a famous handball player who competed internationally for Germany and his mother Helga Nowitzki played basketball for the German Women’s National Team.

6. He Is An Ambidextrous Shooter

He Is An Ambidextrous Shooter
Getty Images

6. He Is An Ambidextrous Shooter

He Is An Ambidextrous Shooter
Getty Images

Nowitzki’s natural style of shooting is with his right hand. However, he is more than capable of taking a shot with his left hand, which makes him a very difficult player to guard.

5. Was Not Drafted By Dallas Mavericks

Was Not Drafted By Dallas Mavericks
Getty Images

5. Was Not Drafted By Dallas Mavericks

Was Not Drafted By Dallas Mavericks
Getty Images

Despite playing his entire career with the Mavericks, he was actually selected ninth overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1998 NBA Draft. The Bucks wanted forward Robert “Tractor” Traylor and the Mavericks’ Don Nelson really wanted Nowitzki, so the two teams made a deal on draft day.

4. Managed By A Family Member

Managed By A Family Member
Getty Images

4. Managed By A Family Member

Managed By A Family Member
Getty Images

Nowitzki’s sister Silke Nowitzki followed in the footsteps of her mother and played for the German Women’s National Team. She eventually gave up playing basketball to go work for the NBA in New York. Shortly after, she earned a degree in business economics, which led to her becoming Dirk’s manager in 2006.

3. Plays Guitar and Saxophone Twitter

Plays Guitar and Saxophone Twitter
Twitter

3. Plays Guitar and Saxophone Twitter

Plays Guitar and Saxophone
Twitter

Many know that Nowitzki is a very talented guitar player who can be frequently seen jamming with teammates. However, what may be more unknown is that he also plays the saxophone.

2. Is Mentored By Holger Geschwindner

Is Mentored By Holger Geschwindner
Getty Images

2. Is Mentored By Holger Geschwindner

Is Mentored By Holger Geschwindner
Getty Images

After joining club team DJK Würzburg at the age of 16, Nowitzki captured the attention of former German basketball player Holger Geschwindner. Nowitzki’s personal coach quickly became his mentor and close friend. Geschwindner has even worked for the Mavericks as a member of the coaching staff, and he is said to be the reason why Nowitzki decided to go pro in the NBA.

1. Is Not A U.S. Citizen

Is Not A U.S. Citizen
Getty Images

1. Is Not A U.S. Citizen

Is Not A U.S. Citizen
Getty Images

Despite popular belief, Nowitzki is not a U.S. citizen. In fact, he is very proud of his German roots and has no intention of becoming a citizen of the U.S. until he is finished with basketball. Even then, it is no guarantee that he will go through with it.

Share On FacebookShare StumbleUpon

You May Also Like