Dirk Nowitzki's borderline insane work ethic has always been driven by two dreams.
He lived one in 2008, when he led Germany to the Olympics, carrying his country's flag during opening ceremony. He accomplished the other days ago, when his Dallas Mavericks put the finishing touches on the franchise's first championship.
Now what for Nowitzki?
"You think he's going to work less?" teammate Peja Stojakovic asked, laughing at such a silly notion. "No way."
Teammates don't expect Dirk Nowitzki's passion to change just because he got his title.
That's the consensus opinion in the Mavericks' organization. Never mind that Nowitzki, with his Finals MVP trophy within arm's reach, openly wondered whether he would have worked as hard if he won a title earlier in his career.
Maybe that was the champagne talking. After all, this is a guy who abstains from alcohol all season. Heck, it was news that he celebrated the Western Conference semifinals sweep of the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers by eating a couple of slices of pizza, cheating on his strict diet.
As far as Mavericks concerns go, Dirk's ability to maintain his maniacal motivation ranks somewhere below whether billionaire owner Mark Cuban can afford the giant $90,000 bottle of Aces of Spades champagne the German guzzled from while celebrating at a Miami Beach club in the wee hours of Monday morning.
"I don't think you're going to see any less of a competitive Dirk with the hunger to win a championship next year," said Mavs president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson, the man most responsible for bringing Nowitzki to Dallas 13 years ago. "That's not part of this guy's DNA."
Added coach Rick Carlisle: "Guys like Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan -- these guys are wired a certain way. And they're uncompromising with how they approach their preparation to play."
If anything, the Mavericks brass hopes Nowitzki relaxes a little. He turns 33 on Sunday, and while Dallas' decision-makers are confident Nowitzki has at least a few more prime seasons left in his ground-bound game, rest becomes more important as he ages.
Nowitzki has relaxed more than ever the past couple of summers, when he finally granted Cuban's requests to not compete in international tournaments. Instead, Nowitzki makes a daily drive from his boyhood home in Wurzburg, Germany to go through strenuous, unconventional morning workouts with longtime mentor Holger Geschwindner, then does a couple hours of cardio each afternoon.
Nowitzki's late-night shooting sessions during the season, often with Holger in attendance, are approaching legendary status. Teammates are surprised if they show up to the gym to work on their game during a non-game night and don't see Nowitzki.
Guys such as Stojakovic, who competed against Nowitzki for years, went from respecting Nowitzki's commitment to being in awe of it once they see his passion up close and personal on a consistent basis.
"His drive is just unique," said Brian Cardinal, who became one of Nowitzki's close buddies during their first season as teammates. "His motivation is like no other. To come in here and see him grind and put in the effort he does, it's inspiring. It's contagious."
Nobody expects that to change after a championship, no matter what Nowitzki says while soaking up the moment he's worked half of his life to achieve.
"Maybe a couple of nights next year I'm going to tell Holger to go somewhere else and leave me alone," Nowitzki said, quickly seeming to realize how unlikely that is to happen. "No, I don't know, we'll have to wait and see.
"I play this sport because I'm a competitor. That's what drove me to be the best I could be. I don't think it's going to be a huge motivation drop-off. I think I'll be OK once I get a little rest here."
He'll have to set new goals. The challenge of defending a championship should certainly fuel the 7-footer's competitive fire.
Maybe he'll start giving his legacy a little thought, something he claims he's never done before. Nowitzki, who ranks 23rd in NBA history with 22,792 points, acknowledged Tuesday that 30,000 would be a worthy target.
He'll find plenty of motivational fodder. Nowitzki knows nothing else.
Workers work. Winners win. For Nowitzki, the former leads to the latter, a trend that won't end just because he finally had one fully satisfying season.
Showing posts with label DIRK NOWITZKI. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DIRK NOWITZKI. Show all posts
6.15.2011
6.10.2011
DIRK AND HOLGER
Article Written: Aug. 27, 2006
Dirk: Born June 19, 1978
SAITAMA (FIBA World Championship) - One of the most important figures at the FIBA World Championship is not on the court.
Instead, Holger Geschwindner sits in the stands and watches his famous pupil Dirk Nowitzki wreak havoc on opponents as Germany takes aim at another medal in this prestigious tournament.
Nowitzki had 23 points to fire the Germans to a narrow victory over Nigeria on Sunday and into the quarter finals in Saitama.
He spoke to Cindy Garcia-Bennett about Nowitzki and Germany.
FIBA: How difficult is it for Nowitzki to deal with all the expectation surrounding him and Germany?
Geschwindner: "He feels pressure. He is the key figure in Germany right now, since he is playing in the NBA and everyone is watching him. It's a big load but he is handling it really well so far."
FIBA: Do you think Nowitzki is at the high point of his career?
Geschwindner: "I guess everyone can see that he is playing his role, I hope that he can improve his tools. He needs more physical exercise. But I think in two years time he will be on top of his game. He improves year after year and we have a pretty good plan to keep him focused. He is 28 yrs old right now and has two more years to reach the peak of his abilities."
FIBA: You have known Nowitzki for a long time. How has he changed?
Geschwindner: "I first met Dirk when he was a schoolboy, he was 16 years old. "He really hasn't changed much in terms of character. He is very down to earth, he has only one car and a little house. He is not playing to be a big shot. He knows he has great talent but other guys have talents in other fields. He doesn't feel superior, for Dirk everybody is the same, equal."
Dirk: Born June 19, 1978
SAITAMA (FIBA World Championship) - One of the most important figures at the FIBA World Championship is not on the court.
Instead, Holger Geschwindner sits in the stands and watches his famous pupil Dirk Nowitzki wreak havoc on opponents as Germany takes aim at another medal in this prestigious tournament.
Nowitzki had 23 points to fire the Germans to a narrow victory over Nigeria on Sunday and into the quarter finals in Saitama.
He spoke to Cindy Garcia-Bennett about Nowitzki and Germany.
FIBA: How difficult is it for Nowitzki to deal with all the expectation surrounding him and Germany?
Geschwindner: "He feels pressure. He is the key figure in Germany right now, since he is playing in the NBA and everyone is watching him. It's a big load but he is handling it really well so far."
FIBA: Do you think Nowitzki is at the high point of his career?
Geschwindner: "I guess everyone can see that he is playing his role, I hope that he can improve his tools. He needs more physical exercise. But I think in two years time he will be on top of his game. He improves year after year and we have a pretty good plan to keep him focused. He is 28 yrs old right now and has two more years to reach the peak of his abilities."
FIBA: You have known Nowitzki for a long time. How has he changed?
Geschwindner: "I first met Dirk when he was a schoolboy, he was 16 years old. "He really hasn't changed much in terms of character. He is very down to earth, he has only one car and a little house. He is not playing to be a big shot. He knows he has great talent but other guys have talents in other fields. He doesn't feel superior, for Dirk everybody is the same, equal."
2.22.2010
DIRK
“Dirk lives the game,” says Rick Carlisle. Since age 13, everything he does in his life is and has been geared toward being the best basketball player he can be. And the thing that you love about Dirk is that he loves living this life. The life for Nowitzki – All-Star, NBA MVP, future Hall of Famer – is and has always been only about basketball. “He’s not flashy. He’s not conspicuously spending money or hanging with high profile friends. He’s not after every dollar he can get. It isn’t interesting to him.”
“I’m not going to jump over two guys and dunk it or stare or muscle you down,” he says of is style, which is quiet, quick and efficient. Nowitzki is old school, a workhorse. He loves doing all sorts of drills, he does push-ups on his fingertips, and late night shooting practice. Sometimes the coaches will ban him from the practice facility because they think his body needs rest so he sneaks down to the local high school to use their gym. He does not drink or smoke.
A driver for Hotel ZaZa, the Dallas glitterate hangout, sums up Dirk: “I know all the players. They all come hang out here. But Dirk? Him I never see. “
“I’m not going to jump over two guys and dunk it or stare or muscle you down,” he says of is style, which is quiet, quick and efficient. Nowitzki is old school, a workhorse. He loves doing all sorts of drills, he does push-ups on his fingertips, and late night shooting practice. Sometimes the coaches will ban him from the practice facility because they think his body needs rest so he sneaks down to the local high school to use their gym. He does not drink or smoke.
A driver for Hotel ZaZa, the Dallas glitterate hangout, sums up Dirk: “I know all the players. They all come hang out here. But Dirk? Him I never see. “
12.16.2009
DIRK - GAME WINNER
The German kid who used to stand in the corner with the game on the line has grown up.
Dirk Nowitzki has developed into one of the NBA's most dominant clutch players. That's not an opinion. It's fact, and it's backed by a bunch of statistics:
As a 7-footer with shooting guard skills, Nowitzki has always been a matchup nightmare. However, a maturation process had to take place before he had the mentality to be the Dallas Mavericks' go-to guy in game-deciding moments.
Early in his career, Nowitzki knew his place in the crunch-time pecking order with the Mavs' Big Three. Michael Finley was the first option. Steve Nash was next. Nowitzki was the perimeter threat who spaced the floor.
"Now he wants that shot," Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said. "There's like no doubt in anybody's mind that he's taking that shot -- and you can't stop it."
Nowitzki, who might be the most humble superstar in the NBA, has even cultivated a crunch-time swagger. The emotional displays are simply an extension of the mentality a player must have to thrive in such situations.
"We all know this league is a lot about confidence," Nowitzki said. "That's really it. Once you get the ball, your teammates believe in you and you believe in yourself that you can make that big play down the stretch. For the team, I've got to keep coming."
It doesn't matter what Dirk has done for the first 45 minutes or so. He still expects to deliver when Dallas needs him most. For example, take a look at his late heroics in the Mavs' past two games.
Nowitzki had an awful night against the Charlotte Bobcats ... until he scored the Mavs' final 10 points in regulation, forcing overtime with a personal 6-0 run in the final 1:16. He followed that up in the extra frame by hitting a pair of go-ahead fadeaways in the final 24 seconds, including a 10-footer off the dribble with 1.7 seconds left that stood as the game winner. He made seven of his final 11 shots in a game that he started 1-of-11.
A couple of nights later, the New Orleans Hornets held Nowitzki to a season-low 10 points. Eight of those came in the fourth quarter of the 94-90 win, including four in the final minute.
"The definition of a franchise player is that he wants the responsibility for winning and losing," said coach Rick Carlisle. "He wants the ball in his hands when the game is being decided, and the only thing he thinks about when he gets the ball in his hands is finding a way to win the game."
Added Jason Kidd: "He loves that stage. When we need a basket, he loves to have the ball, to make the play. He just loves the atmosphere. He doesn't panic."
Nowitzki notes that he isn't the only accomplished clutch shooter on the Mavs. Nowitzki won't hesitate to give up the ball and get of his teammates a wide-open look if he's double- or triple-teamed. Dirk just wants the opportunity to make the decision.
It's not a coincidence that Nowitzki has become better with age in clutch situations.
"I think once you get older, more experienced, the game slows down for you down the stretch," Nowitzki said. "Early in my career, I might rush and be like, 'Hey, the game's on the line; gotta do something quick.' Whereas now, you take your time, you're more poised and you're just more confident.
"If I take my time, I feel like I can get a good shot up."
Dirk Nowitzki has developed into one of the NBA's most dominant clutch players. That's not an opinion. It's fact, and it's backed by a bunch of statistics:
As a 7-footer with shooting guard skills, Nowitzki has always been a matchup nightmare. However, a maturation process had to take place before he had the mentality to be the Dallas Mavericks' go-to guy in game-deciding moments.
Early in his career, Nowitzki knew his place in the crunch-time pecking order with the Mavs' Big Three. Michael Finley was the first option. Steve Nash was next. Nowitzki was the perimeter threat who spaced the floor.
"Now he wants that shot," Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said. "There's like no doubt in anybody's mind that he's taking that shot -- and you can't stop it."
Nowitzki, who might be the most humble superstar in the NBA, has even cultivated a crunch-time swagger. The emotional displays are simply an extension of the mentality a player must have to thrive in such situations.
"We all know this league is a lot about confidence," Nowitzki said. "That's really it. Once you get the ball, your teammates believe in you and you believe in yourself that you can make that big play down the stretch. For the team, I've got to keep coming."
It doesn't matter what Dirk has done for the first 45 minutes or so. He still expects to deliver when Dallas needs him most. For example, take a look at his late heroics in the Mavs' past two games.
Nowitzki had an awful night against the Charlotte Bobcats ... until he scored the Mavs' final 10 points in regulation, forcing overtime with a personal 6-0 run in the final 1:16. He followed that up in the extra frame by hitting a pair of go-ahead fadeaways in the final 24 seconds, including a 10-footer off the dribble with 1.7 seconds left that stood as the game winner. He made seven of his final 11 shots in a game that he started 1-of-11.
A couple of nights later, the New Orleans Hornets held Nowitzki to a season-low 10 points. Eight of those came in the fourth quarter of the 94-90 win, including four in the final minute.
"The definition of a franchise player is that he wants the responsibility for winning and losing," said coach Rick Carlisle. "He wants the ball in his hands when the game is being decided, and the only thing he thinks about when he gets the ball in his hands is finding a way to win the game."
Added Jason Kidd: "He loves that stage. When we need a basket, he loves to have the ball, to make the play. He just loves the atmosphere. He doesn't panic."
Nowitzki notes that he isn't the only accomplished clutch shooter on the Mavs. Nowitzki won't hesitate to give up the ball and get of his teammates a wide-open look if he's double- or triple-teamed. Dirk just wants the opportunity to make the decision.
It's not a coincidence that Nowitzki has become better with age in clutch situations.
"I think once you get older, more experienced, the game slows down for you down the stretch," Nowitzki said. "Early in my career, I might rush and be like, 'Hey, the game's on the line; gotta do something quick.' Whereas now, you take your time, you're more poised and you're just more confident.
"If I take my time, I feel like I can get a good shot up."
8.15.2008
CARLISLE SPENDS TIME WITH DIRK
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.
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