FUTURE HALL OF FAMER DIRK NOWITZKI PASSES THE TORCH TO LUKA DONCIC!

18 year old Dirk Torches Jordan, Pippen
and Barkley for 52 Pts in All-Star Game

During my last years of work, I commuted into Fort Worth, frequently listening to well-regarded sportscaster Norm Hitzges.  

Back in '97 Norm was all excited about an 18 year old German kid who'd just lit up an all-star team with Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley and Scottie Pippen, among others.

Pippen had the task of "guarding" this kid, who had about 30 points at half-time, ending the game with 52.  

After the game, Charles Barkley charged into the opponent's locker room and confronted the young German, Dirk Nowitski:

"Dude, who the hell are you?" Barkley shouted.

Don "Nellie" Nelson, the coach of the Dallas Mavericks was actually upset that the secret of Dirk had gotten out.  Don's son Donnie had been scouting the young German kid for over a year.

Hearing that Dirk was really not interested in playing in the U.S., Nellie flew to Germany to have a few beers with Dirk's dad, convincing Dirk to give at least give the NBA a try.

That was over twenty years ago.  With the Mavericks, Dirk has won a championship, conducted himself with dignity, represented Dallas wonderfully and humbly.

Luka Doncic

As Dirk starts his 21st season with the Mavs, the longest tenure in history by a player for a single team, the torch will be passed to 19 year old Slovenian sensation Luka Doncic, who just won everything possible in the European League, Player of the Year, MVP of the Finals and the league championship.

Go Mavs!