Rick Carlisle understands that no matter how the Mavericks fill out their roster around Dirk Nowitzki next season, their success starts with the 7-foot former MVP.
With that in mind, Carlisle spent an enlightening few days in Wurzburg, Germany, and surrounding areas last week getting to know Nowitzki better – and getting acquainted with Holger Geschwindner, Nowitzki's longtime mentor in Germany.
When Carlisle was done, the Mavericks' new coach came away with a greater appreciation of, among other things, how focused Nowitzki is on the Beijing Olympics in August.
"In terms of basketball, it was a great opportunity to see how Dirk has trained with Holger over the last several years," Carlisle said. "To see his preparation for the Olympic qualifying – two or three sessions a day – you just get a sense for how important it is for him and his country to qualify.
"He doesn't have to be doing this. But it's a patriotic thing, a personal thing, and a dream. And I'm really pulling for him."
Carlisle, Nowitzki and Geschwindner spent time working out, but they also enjoyed some relaxation, including a trip or two to the Wurzburg Brewery beer garden.
"After watching the things Dirk and Holger do in his training, I can't imagine where anyone would say it's not good," Carlisle said.
