Nowitzki Remains Committed To Winning With Dallas

[duncan228]

Nowitzki remains committed to winning with Dallas (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-mavericks-nowitzki&prov=ap&type=lgns)
By Jaime Aron

Dirk Nowitzki is the backbone of the Dallas Mavericks, the first MVP in franchise history and the career leader in pretty much every scoring category.

All that’s missing is a championship, and he’s not interested in going anywhere else to get one.

“After I played here for 11 years—played hurt, played sick, whatever they needed me to do, basically playing my heart (out) for the last 11 years—I don’t think it would feel the same way somewhere else,” Nowitzki said. “It’s always been my dream here to finish my career and win a championship. I think my window has not closed yet and I’ll still see what we can do.”

Nowitzki inadvertently raised the question of how long he was willing to stick with the organization while describing his disappointment over falling short again this season.

After the Mavs were eliminated by Denver on Wednesday night, then again during a wrapup interview Thursday, Nowitzki mentioned several times that this was his 11th season and that he’ll be turning 31 in a few weeks. He talked about the window of opportunity starting to close, calling every title-less season a waste. He also said he understands that 36-year-old Jason Kidd might sign with another team he considers closer to winning a championship.

So, does all that mean Nowitzki thinks the Mavs are far from winning a title? That time is running out for him? Or maybe that he’s running out of patience?

No, no, no.

“I always said I’d love to finish my career here and bring this franchise a championship,” he said. “I still feel like I have a good three, four years left of solid basketball. I don’t want to feel overanxious and put my pressure on myself. I’m going to be ready to play and I’m going to work hard again this summer and do more of the same again next year.”

Nowitzki noted that he could opt out of his contract in 2010 “if I wanted to,” but he didn’t say it in a threatening way.

In fact, he tempered the thought by adding, “I never really thought about it this way.”

Nowitzki is coming off perhaps his best year other than his MVP season of 2006-07.

He averaged 25.9 points and 8.4 rebounds and was first-team All-NBA—or, as coach Rick Carlisle put it, he was voted “the best power forward on the planet.”

His numbers were down in the first round of the playoffs because San Antonio based its defense around slowing him. Then, facing single coverage from the Nuggets, he averaged 34.4 points, scoring 44 in Dallas’ lone victory. He did it while dealing with his girlfriend getting arrested at his home, bringing unwanted attention on his very private non-basketball life.

“It takes a strong individual to go through what he did and then carry us on his back through this whole playoffs,” teammate Jason Terry said.

Part of Nowitzki’s devotion to Dallas stems from his confidence in owner Mark Cuban and front-office boss Donnie Nelson.

“It’s pretty obvious (Cuban) wants to win—getting in fights with people in the stands, being fired up about every loss,” Nowitzki said, laughing. “I think he wants to win as much as I do. He made all the right statements that we’re trying to improve the team this summer.”

If it was up to Nowitzki, the Mavericks’ offseason plan would start with keeping Kidd.

“His leadership on and off the floor has been great,” Nowitzki said. “He’s showed that even though he’s a little older that he’s a warrior. He played 40-some minutes the last couple of months when we needed to win games.”

Next, Nowitzki would make sure to “keep some of the core guys and just add pieces.” He’d like better defenders, more 3-point shooters and some young, fast, leapers so Kidd “can actually throw some lobs on the break.”

“It really showed in the second round that we need some athleticism,” he said. “Denver was just stronger and faster, it felt like, at every position.”

As for Nowitzki’s offseason, he’s expecting the German national team to ask him to play in the European championships. He’s not sure he wants to after reaching the pinnacle of playing in the Olympics last summer.

“That was one of the greatest times of my life,” he said. “It’s hard for me to imagine … starting all over again. I’ll just have to wait and see. The good thing is that it’s not until September. By that time, knowing me, I’ll probably be in the gym for a couple months anyway.”

[sook]

good for Dirk, i have no doubt he will win a ring in dallas before he retires

[lefty]

good for Dirk, i have no doubt he will win a ring in dallas before he retires
:lmao

[LakeShow]

:lmao

+1

:lmao

[iggypop123]

well get paid 20 million to go to playoffs or get the MLE for a guaranteed title. i cant blame him the money is worth it

[sook]

The reason i say that is because the dude is still someone you can build around...he had 44 points in game 4.

The Mavs need some tweaks, you guys are fogetting how good they were right before the kidd trade.

[lefty]

The reason i say that is because the dude is still someone you can build around...he had 44 points in game 4.

The Mavs need some tweaks, you guys are fogetting how good they were right before the kidd trade.


It has nothing to do with Dirk; the guy is a baller :tu

But it has more to do with the tweaks you mentioned; this organization is going nowhere

[dirk4mvp]

this organization is going nowhere

Something the Mavs and Spurs have in common :tu

[Ghazi]

The reason i say that is because the dude is still someone you can build around...he had 44 points in game 4.

The Mavs need some tweaks, you guys are fogetting how good they were right before the kidd trade.

I do remember, and I think you're an idiot

Shot under 30% and lost 90-67 against Pistons

Looked like shit on consecutive nights against garbage teams like New Jersey and Philly

Looked stagnant, defense had completely regressed etc. Nowitzki was playing terribly by his lofty hall of fame 2006 NBA champion standards.

Devin was injured for a span but the play was atrocious regardless.

Avery was dicking around with rotations and small ball gimmick BS too.



After the Kidd trade the Mavs margin of victory improved, Dirk was playing amazing.

Josh howard decided to mail it in though, the best PF in the game missed 5 games, and the Mavs were 2-8 in cloes games.

It was NOT Kidd's fault last year. He came in and the defense skyrocketed and Dirk was amazing. Wasn't Kidd's fault J-Ho decided to quit and the Mavs were unlucky in close games.

But casual observers didn't notice these things, so they started to shit on future hall of fame PG Jason Kidd for the Mavs' post ASB woes when Howard was the one who wasn't playing well.

[lefty]

Something the Mavs and Spurs have in common :tu

Actually, we've been somewhere









(that's right: :lobt2::lobt2::lobt2::lobt2:, faggots )

[dirk4mvp]

backpedaling is fun.

[lefty]

backpedaling is fun.

Hey, facts are facts

[endrity]

Thank you for the kind words Sook, but I think the window in Dallas is closed. Even if Cuban wants to absorb all kinds of contracts, they have no assets to invovle in trades. If he wants a title Dirk has to go somewhere else.

[Gino]

Kidd is old.

Terry has one or two years left.

Howard is a giant question mark.

Hard to see that team being relevant again for the next five years.

I highly doubt Dirk will ever get a ring. But I dont feel sorry for him. He had his chance and choked.

[Basketballgirl25]

Thank you for the kind words Sook, but I think the window in Dallas is closed. Even if Cuban wants to absorb all kinds of contracts, they have no assets to invovle in trades. If he wants a title Dirk has to go somewhere else.

well I think Terry agrees with you right now anyway
http://mavsblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/05/jason-terry-were-a-long-way-away-right-n.html

as much as I hate the Mavs, I do follow them because Kidd want to see how he does, so I know if they don't make some trades this offseason Terry is right, that they are a long way away. Right now they are in the middle not the worst, but Dirk and Kidd aren't getting any younger so if your keeping them on the team to play better start changing players

[manufan10]

Damn. I was hoping he would say he wanted to sign with the Spurs. :lol

Seriously though, I respect that. He would rather stay loyal to his team, and maybe not win a championship. I have more respect for guys like Reggie Miller and the like who have not gone on to get a "ring" on someone else's coat tails. Loyalty is hard to find these days.

[Ghazi]

Kidd is old.

Terry has one or two years left.

Howard is a giant question mark.

Hard to see that team being relevant again for the next five years.

I highly doubt Dirk will ever get a ring. But I dont feel sorry for him. He had his chance and choked.

He didn't choke worth shit. 29/15 in Game 6 while his team mates shoot 33% and D-Whistle shoots a bunch of undeserved FT's. And an incredible shot over Shaq in Game 5 that is forgotten because of a phantom foul sending Whistle to the FT line with 2 seconds left.

Big fucking deal if he missed a FT, Dirk will miss 1/2 FT's 20% of the time and just because it happened at a bad time doesn't make it a "choke". D-Whistle and Shaq missed FT's that series too.

[NewJerSpur]

Dirk can/maybe will win a title when he's a major piece to a team but not the main one, like when Clyde left Portland (where he was the man) and went to Houston (where he was the man next to the man).

[Basketballgirl25]

Dirk can/maybe will win a title when he's a major piece to a team but not the main one, like when Clyde left Portland (where he was the man) and went to Houston (where he was the man next to the man).

I agree I think Dirk isn't winning because he is the main man on the team, not saying he isn't good, just saying I think he needs someone else who can be a main man

[Basketballgirl25]

Damn. I was hoping he would say he wanted to sign with the Spurs. :lol

Seriously though, I respect that. He would rather stay loyal to his team, and maybe not win a championship. I have more respect for guys like Reggie Miller and the like who have not gone on to get a "ring" on someone else's coat tails. Loyalty is hard to find these days.

I hated when Reggie Miller played the Nets when he was playing, but the day he stopped playing I respected him so much more because he didn't win a ring

[Sportstudi]

I agree I think Dirk isn't winning because he is the main man on the team, not saying he isn't good, just saying I think he needs someone else who can be a main man

In other words: You mean he should go to the Spurs and play alongside Duncan, right? Maybe that gives him a ring, who knows?

But honestly, I have a huge respect for Dirk to be such a loyal player (as manufan10 already wrote). These people are hard to find nowadays. Thus, I think we won't find out what would happen if he goes to another team.

[poop]

Dirk for bonner?

[dirk4mvp]

Hey, facts are facts


Yeah, just like my first comment was a fact.

[ducks]

dirk not so bright
he was warned against his girlfriend law troubles
now this

[TampaDude]

I kinda feel bad for Dirk...he busts his ass and all that effort is wasted...without him, the Mavs are a fucking lottery team.

[LakerHater]

At least hes stayin with the organization that drafted him!!

http://db.funformobile.com/images/smiles/clap.gif (javascript:emoticon('form_text',':clap:'))
Hes not running to another team to get a ring!!

[Sportstudi]

Another one:

Nowitzki sheds some soft label in tough time (http://www.cbssports.com/columns/story/11749991)

Nowitzki sheds some of soft label in tough time
May 15, 2009
By Mike Freeman
CBSSports.com National Columnist
Tell Mike your opinion!

In the locker room of the professional athlete there are two eternal, great sins: being gay and being publicly played for a sucker by a woman.

Homophobia and misogyny aren't my things so don't look at me with those judgmental, beady little eyes. These are not my laws; this is the law of the athlete jungle. In the locker room, gay men are shunned and women are seen by many athletes as tools to be used, like a good wrench.

To some athletes, being gay or being punk'd by a woman is worse than doing steroids or gambling on their respective sports. It's absolutely, positively true. This is part of the athlete manifesto.

Those two "sins" are universal, translocating across every athlete constellation, with race, creed, color, national origin or political affiliation being irrelevant.

The part about this athlete code as it specifically relates to women brings me to Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki.

While on a highly public stage, Nowitzki endured one of the most humiliating moments of his life and still fought valiantly against the Denver Nuggets.

The playoffs continue toward what seems to be the inevitable federal case of Kobe v. LeBron. One of their legacies will be rewritten: if Bryant is victorious, he will have won his first title without Shaquille O'Neal. If James wins, he starts his trek toward basketball immortality.

But one legacy has already been redone. It's Nowitzki's and it has been written for the better, the tarnishing hobgoblin that is the stain of playoff choker no longer applicable.

Cristal Taylor, rumored to be Nowitzki's fiancée, was arrested at Nowitzki's home while he was returning from a game. It had to be one of the more embarrassing moments in the life of a very private man.

This news emerged in the middle of a playoff series and Nowitzki didn't blame the media or shrink under the intense heat. He just played his ass off. Just a short time after the news about Taylor became public, Nowitzki dropped 44 on Denver. He averaged a LeBron-like 35 points and 15 rebounds in the first four games of the series.

Nowitzki played well despite having his fiancée play him. There are few who possess the mental discipline to drop 40 while their woman is led away in handcuffs.

Let's put it this way. Nowitzki handled this PR disaster better than fellow Texan Tony Romo ever would.

• Nowitzki committed to Dallas | Woman arraigned in Texas

Nowitzki is called soft, TNT analysts destroyed him on a nightly basis, and his fiancée, the woman he presumably loves, is allegedly a criminal who might not have only ripped others off but possibly Nowitzki as well.

Nowitzki responded by practically carrying Dallas on his back. The Mavericks lost but it wasn't Nowitzki's fault.

It's time to stop calling Nowitzki soft. No soft man could do what Nowitzki did against Denver: play ball crisply and aggressively while his future wife is headed for the hoosegow.

Nowitzki didn't get enough credit for how well he handled that situation and the days of people questioning his toughness should be over.

He won with people snickering behind his back. I'm not talking about ignorant fans or false outrage from message board posters. NBA players were (and still are) likely mocking Nowitzki for falling for an alleged conniving trollop. If you don't believe that Nowitzki's personal life wasn't a highly discussed topic across many clubhouses and locker rooms from football to NASCAR then -- and now -- you don't know athletes.

Even former athletes are chiming in. Tony Banks, the former St. Louis Rams quarterback who says he, too, was duped by Taylor some years ago, told the Dallas Morning News he's shocked Nowitzki got engaged to her.

"I can't believe she got as far as she did with Dirk, to be engaged," Banks told the paper. "Sometimes it's hard for people to believe that women can be that malicious. But there's a story here that has touched a lot of athletes and could have some damage."

Translation: Good grief, Dirk, were you really going to marry her?

Nowitzki fell full throttle under the charms of an alleged grifter but he never let his game languish. It was an impressive piece of mental discipline that should shift the way we think of him -- for the better -- from now on.

Not only should Nowitzki no longer be seen as an ineffectual, effeminate European fearful of post play and elbows, he should instantly vault near the top of the tough-guy list for surviving this ugly and public matter while in the middle of swapping jumpers with the Nuggets.

"Basketball business is public business," Nowitzki told the media. "My private life is private business. This is private business."

Nowitzki allowed a real-life Lilly Dillon into his inner sanctum and it's something that, contrary to what others might think, could happen to anyone. Dillon was a character from the move The Grifters who, after ripping off a mobster, was asked by a henchman: "Do you want to stick to that story, or do you want to keep your teeth?"

Nowitzki finally found out the real story all while fighting for his team's life in the playoffs, and maybe, just maybe, refuting his image once and for all as cotton candy soft.

To some degree, he deserves our appreciation, not ridicule.

[mavs>spurs2]

That's a great article. The Mav's FO failures have fallen on Dirk's shoulders through the years, and it really isn't right. I think the only people who call him soft are really ignorant. The hardass thug Nuggets sure couldn't touch him

[Basketballgirl25]

In other words: You mean he should go to the Spurs and play alongside Duncan, right? Maybe that gives him a ring, who knows?

But honestly, I have a huge respect for Dirk to be such a loyal player (as manufan10 already wrote). These people are hard to find nowadays. Thus, I think we won't find out what would happen if he goes to another team.

No I didn't say that, but he he wants to go to the spurs or demands a trade I wouldn't blame him. Like you even thought I don't like the Mavs I have respect for him being a loyal player, of course I've heard other people say things that sounded loyal and then do something stupid so who knows what will happen, but if he is loyal and doesn't get a ring great for him need more guys like that the others are just a**holes

[baseline bum]

Gotta respect a guy who's willing to go down with the ship.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

i guess he's committed to go down like malone, miller, barkley, ........................................

[ElNono]

That should read 'Nowitzki remains commited to playing with Dallas'.
It's not really his fault he's been put on a position to fail most of the time.
That's why if he really wants to win, he should really consider heading somewhere else.

[pauls931]

Dirk is definitely showing some problems with his ability to evaluate circumstances.

[Basketballgirl25]

That should read 'Nowitzki remains commited to playing with Dallas'.
It's not really his fault he's been put on a position to fail most of the time.
That's why if he really wants to win, he should really consider heading somewhere else.

maybe he doesn't want to win and just wants to play:lol

[pauls931]

maybe he doesn't want to win and just wants to play:lol

ah, another DoK alias...

[Ghazi]

It's just a shame the whistles did Dirk dirty in 2006.

He has stated he has two professional goals; lead Germany to Olympics and win a title

1/2

It's just a damn shame that one of a man's life goals goes unfulfilled to this day because of the worst call in the history of the Finals.

It's just a shame.

[mardigan]

At least hes stayin with the organization that drafted him!!

http://db.funformobile.com/images/smiles/clap.gif (javascript:emoticon('form_text',':clap:'))
Hes not running to another team to get a ring!!

Yea, you got to admire that in today's NBA. Dirk's got to be one of the most stand up guys in the NBA. I respect him as much as I respect anyone in the NBA. I really hope that Cuban can get his shit together some day soon and put a team around this guy that can get him a ring, he deserves some hardware for the career he has had.

[Ghazi]

The way some people make it out it's as it's as if Dirk is like KG in Minny

It hasn't been THAT bad

Window was open 3 years

2003- But Dirk went down :(, and Kerr hit bullshit shots. Finley's late season injury causing our guys to squander the top seed hurt as well

2006- rigged
2007-fluke shots + bad matchup. Mavs championship window was open this year IMO, just didn't get it done.

[Sportstudi]

Yea, you got to admire that in today's NBA. Dirk's got to be one of the most stand up guys in the NBA. I respect him as much as I respect anyone in the NBA. I really hope that Cuban can get his shit together some day soon and put a team around this guy that can get him a ring, he deserves some hardware for the career he has had.

+1 :tu

[dbreiden83080]

good for Dirk, i have no doubt he will win a ring in dallas before he retires

Dirk will retire as Ringless as Steve Nash..

[BUMP]

Tim Duncan may have four rings but i guaranfuckingtee you if you surround Dirk with the players that TD had in his career, he would have atleast 8 rings.

The best power forward of all time bar none, and I would only take five player all time above him.

1 Wilt
2 Jordan
3 Kareem
4 Shaq
5 Magic

[Sportstudi]

Tim Duncan may have four rings but i guaranfuckingtee you if you surround Dirk with the players that TD had in his career, he would have atleast 8 rings.

The best power forward of all time bar none, and I would only take five player all time above him.

1 Wilt
2 Jordan
3 Kareem
4 Shaq
5 Magic

Well, even as a Dallas-fan I have to admit that TD is a better PF as Dirk. At the offensive end Dirk can maybe only be reached (and probably overtaken) by the Mailman, but TD's advantage on the defensive end outweighs Dirk's advantage on offense. Concerning your list: I would also place guys like Bird, Russell, TD and Kobe above him. Probably other as well, for instance Moses Malone or the Doctor. But Dirk should be defintely in the Top 20 after his retirement.

[endrity]

Well, even as a Dallas-fan I have to admit that TD is a better PF as Dirk. At the offensive end Dirk can maybe only be reached (and probably overtaken) by the Mailman, but TD's advantage on the defensive end outweighs Dirk's advantage on offense. Concerning your list: I would also place guys like Bird, Russell, TD and Kobe above him. Probably other as well, for instance Moses Malone or the Doctor. But Dirk should be defintely in the Top 20 after his retirement.

As far as offensive PF go, you would have to sell me hard on the Mailman. I think Duncan is better on offense than Malone, don't let his point records fool you, that has a lot to do with longevity and Stockton feeding him a lot of bunnies. I think there is a case to be made that Dirk is the best offensive PF ever, though Ducan and probably McHale are not that far behind. His defense will never allow him to be more than Top 5 for PF though.

[Sportstudi]

As far as offensive PF go, you would have to sell me hard on the Mailman. I think Duncan is better on offense than Malone, don't let his point records fool you, that has a lot to do with longevity and Stockton feeding him a lot of bunnies. I think there is a case to be made that Dirk is the best offensive PF ever, though Ducan and probably McHale are not that far behind. His defense will never allow him to be more than Top 5 for PF though.

Sure, he got great feedies from Stockton, but you have still to convert all of those. I remember Kidd saying after he made his 10,000 assist that he wants to thank all the people who converted his dimes. Concerning defense: I agree. My comments concerning Bump's list were based on the fact that he listed not only PF's but other players as well.

[ducks]

I kinda feel bad for Dirk...he busts his ass and all that effort is wasted...without him, the Mavs are a fucking lottery team.

kind of like tp this year

[sook]

I don't know I just have the feeling Dirk will be rewarded.

[NewJerSpur]

The way some people make it out it's as it's as if Dirk is like KG in Minny

It hasn't been THAT bad

Window was open 3 years

2003- But Dirk went down :(, and Kerr hit bullshit shots. Finley's late season injury causing our guys to squander the top seed hurt as well


1) Dirk goes down and the Mavs have an excuse for losing....Manu goes down and the Mavs take out the mighty Spurs? Hypocrisy at its finest folks.

2) How were Kerr's shots BS....THAT'S WHAT THE SPURS BROUGHT HIM IN TO DO!!

[lefty]

Yeah, just like my first comment was a fact.
It was?

[Ditty]

backpedaling is fun.

losing every year in the playoffs is fun

dallas sure knows alot about that :lol

[Ditty]

Tim Duncan may have four rings but i guaranfuckingtee you if you surround Dirk with the players that TD had in his career, he would have atleast 8 rings.

The best power forward of all time bar none, and I would only take five player all time above him.

1 Wilt
2 Jordan
3 Kareem
4 Shaq
5 Magic

actually to be honest i think the mavs had more talent the spurs had even when the mavs would get elimanated in the 2nd round and the spurs would win championships

compare the teams

[024]

i thought dirk already won a championship in 2006. at least that's what the mavs fans say. if they say it enough it must be true right?

[Sportstudi]

i thought dirk already won a championship in 2006. at least that's what the mavs fans say. if they say it enough it must be true right?

Since when Ghazi counts more than one person?

[Holmes_Fans]

When push comes to shove we'll see if Dirk really wants to win a ring in Dallas. He can opt out of his 20million deal after this next season and re-sign for $5 million. He is one of the few players I think would actually do that.

[BUMP]

actually to be honest i think the mavs had more talent the spurs had even when the mavs would get elimanated in the 2nd round and the spurs would win championships

compare the teams

Ok deal.

Steve Nash (borderline HOF)
Dirk Nowitzki (Hall of Famer)
Michael Finley
Shawn Bradley
Van Exel
Walt Williams
Raef Lafrentz
Eduardo Najera




Tim Duncan (Hall of Famer)
Tony Parker (potential HOF)
Manu Ginobili (Hall of Famer)
David Robinson (Hall of Famer)
Stephen Jackson
Bruce Bowen (best defender in the game)
Malik Rose
Danny Ferry
Steve Kerr
Kevin Willis

for the hell of it lets compare coaches

Poppovich-4 rings
Nellie-i luv teh offense

Now tell me which roster has more talent when you take Dirk and Duncan out of the equation.:rolleyes

[Spursfan092120]

Ok deal.

Steve Nash (borderline HOF)
Dirk Nowitzki (Hall of Famer)
Michael Finley
Shawn Bradley
Van Exel
Walt Williams
Raef Lafrentz
Eduardo Najera




Tim Duncan (Hall of Famer)
Tony Parker (potential HOF)
Manu Ginobili (Hall of Famer)
David Robinson (Hall of Famer)
Stephen Jackson
Bruce Bowen (best defender in the game)
Malik Rose
Danny Ferry
Steve Kerr
Kevin Willis

for the hell of it lets compare coaches

Poppovich-4 rings
Nellie-i luv teh offense

Now tell me which roster has more talent when you take Dirk and Duncan out of the equation.:rolleyes
:lmao:lmao:lmao
I know I'm a Spurs fan, but that shit's funny. And seriously..the Spurs had a LOT more talent.

[Muser]

As much as I respect the man D-Rob was waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay over the hill in 03.

[Ditty]

Ok deal.

Steve Nash (borderline HOF)
Dirk Nowitzki (Hall of Famer)
Michael Finley
Shawn Bradley
Van Exel
Walt Williams
Raef Lafrentz
Eduardo Najera




Tim Duncan (Hall of Famer)
Tony Parker (potential HOF)
Manu Ginobili (Hall of Famer)
David Robinson (Hall of Famer)
Stephen Jackson
Bruce Bowen (best defender in the game)
Malik Rose
Danny Ferry
Steve Kerr
Kevin Willis

for the hell of it lets compare coaches

Poppovich-4 rings
Nellie-i luv teh offense

Now tell me which roster has more talent when you take Dirk and Duncan out of the equation.:rolleyes

manu was a rookie
parker was in his second season
duncan was at the peak of his carreer
robinson was at the end of the hill
stephon jackson was his breakout year
bruce bowen was begging to be a lockdown defender
malik rose was good
everyoneelse was old

finley dirk and nash were all good
van exal had a break out season with lafrentz
walt williams was good also

yall defintly had the talent but not the chemistry

[dirk4mvp]

As much as I respect the man D-Rob was waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay over the hill in 03.

03 D-Rob is still leaps and bounds better than any center the Mavs have had in the Dirk era.

[dirk4mvp]

manu was a rookie
parker was in his second season
duncan was at the peak of his carreer
robinson was at the end of the hill
stephon jackson was his breakout year
bruce bowen was begging to be a lockdown defender
malik rose was good
everyoneelse was old

finley dirk and nash were all good
van exal had a break out season with lafrentz
walt williams was good also

yall defintly had the talent but not the chemistry

lol at you trying to justify that. If you give the Mavs either S Jax or Bowen, 2 of the worst players on that list, the Mavs win the 06 title no contest.

[TD4THREE]

Ok deal.

Steve Nash (borderline HOF)
Dirk Nowitzki (Hall of Famer)
Michael Finley
Shawn Bradley
Van Exel
Walt Williams
Raef Lafrentz
Eduardo Najera




Tim Duncan (Hall of Famer)
Tony Parker (potential HOF)
Manu Ginobili (Hall of Famer)
David Robinson (Hall of Famer)
Stephen Jackson
Bruce Bowen (best defender in the game)
Malik Rose
Danny Ferry
Steve Kerr
Kevin Willis

for the hell of it lets compare coaches

Poppovich-4 rings
Nellie-i luv teh offense

Now tell me which roster has more talent when you take Dirk and Duncan out of the equation.:rolleyesIt's important to know that Not all of these players were in their primes when Duncan played with them. The 2003 championship was Drob's last year and he saw a serious decrease in playing time in favor of Malik Rose. Parker was little more than a project at the time and Ginobili was a rookie. Duncan was the only all star on the team that year, and the Spurs still won a championship. Has Dirk ever even been on a team where he was the only all star, much less winning a championship with one.

And it's convenient that you leave guys like Terry, Howard and Stackhouse off of Dirk's list. :nope

[Cant_Be_Faded]

It blows my mind like getting shot in the face with a shotgun how Mavs fans genuinely see the 2006 finals as rigged. The rules that allowed them to beat the Spurs are what allowed Dwade to pulverize them. It was so consistent.

[TD4THREE]

03 D-Rob is still leaps and bounds better than any center the Mavs have had in the Dirk era.Why don't you list all the great centers that Duncan has played with after Robinson.:lol

[Sportstudi]

And it's convenient that you leave guys like Terry, Howard and Stackhouse off of Dirk's list. :nope

In 2003 none of them was a member of the Mavericks...

[TD4THREE]

In 2003 none of them was a member of the Mavericks...My mistake,I thought he was talking about all the players that they played with throughout their careers. But even if you compare just their 2003 squads I still don't see Dirk having the inferior cast.

[dirk4mvp]

It blows my mind like getting shot in the face with a shotgun how Mavs fans genuinely see the 2006 finals as rigged. The rules that allowed them to beat the Spurs are what allowed Dwade to pulverize them. It was so consistent.

I hope you're not referring to my post.

[dirk4mvp]

Why don't you list all the great centers that Duncan has played with after Robinson.:lol


Why don't list all the at least formidable centers Dirk has ever played with?

[TD4THREE]

Why don't list all the at least formidable centers Dirk has ever played with?Let's see, Lafrentz, Bradley,Dampier and Diop. Not much, but I'd take them over what Duncan has won championships with after Robinson. Francisco Elson, Nazr Mohammed, Oberto, Radoslav Nesterovic, and Matt Bonner.

[dirk4mvp]

All of those Mavs' centers added up still isn't as effective as D-Rob.

[Ghazi]

Mavs were good in 03 06 (championship year) and 07

we shouldnt act as if Dirk has never been blessed w/ good teams and good talent.

Duncan's talent has been better, but I doubt Dirk wins 4 rings if he's in Duncan's place. Maybe 0-2.

[Basketballgirl25]

all mav fans here, would you take Brook Lopez as a Center?(not that it is happening, just wondering)

I think Mavs would be better if they had him instead of the Center they have

[Ghazi]

I like Brook

better than damp fo sho

better than kaman too which for some reason a bunch of Mavs fans have a hardon for.

[Biernutz]

Dirk will never get a ring until the Mav's put a hard nose star next to him. Dirk is a good guy and a great player but he is not the leader who will go out and tell other players on the team to get off their dead ass and play hard. Cuban needs to go sit in a box somewhere. Having your boss who signs your checks looking over your shoulder in the seat behind you all the time sucks. Cuban needs to realize he is not the star on the Mav's and get the hell out of the way. Mark it's not about you, it's about the players. Donnie Nelson ? Who else in the league would make him their GM.

[Basketballgirl25]

I like Brook

better than damp fo sho

better than kaman too which for some reason a bunch of Mavs fans have a hardon for.

I thought Brook was better then damp this season, even if he was only a rookie, if he gets better I think he will be better then damp in the future, which is great for the Nets

I don't watch to much of Kaman playing so I wouldn't know about him, I actually find it funny Mav fans want Shaq(he was great at one point, but he can break down at any minute now I think)

[Strike]

Something the Mavs and Spurs have in common :tu

At least the Spurs won 4 championships before their eventual decline.

:lobt2: :lobt2: :lobt2: :lobt2:

[Strike]

When push comes to shove we'll see if Dirk really wants to win a ring in Dallas. He can opt out of his 20million deal after this next season and re-sign for $5 million. He is one of the few players I think would actually do that.

Don't think he would. Lots of money to be left on the table for the "chance" for a ring. If he did something like that to free up cap space to improve his chances, I, for one, would have infinite respect for him.

[dirk4mvp]

At least the Spurs won 4 championships before their eventual decline.

:lobt2: :lobt2: :lobt2: :lobt2:

Man, you're late. And it wasn't that good the first time.

[peskypesky]

I kinda feel bad for Dirk...he busts his ass and all that effort is wasted...without him, the Mavs are a fucking lottery team.

true. he does bust his ass year in and year out. he definitely produces, but he just hasn't had good enough teams around him.

that being said, Karl Malone and Barkley never got rings either, so...he's in fine company.

[Biernutz]

What the Mav's need-----
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/stories/051609dnspomavslede.36a8f59.html

[SenorSpur]

I could care less about the Mavs and no one is more happy to see them fail in the playoffs than me. Their playoff ouster is an annual affair that I always look forward to. Having said all that, I give Dirk "mad props" for stepping up and being a baller during that Nuggets series. Especially while having this private episode play out in public, and having to endure the stinging criticism that he's somehow soft. Like a lot of folks, I've ridiculed Dirk in the past. People have wanted him to be more like Jordan, when in actuality he's probably closer to Pippen.

Still, that Game 4 versus the Nuggets, where he literally carried his team to victory, while scoing 12-15 points in the 4th quarter, on seemingly every possession, won me over. It wasn't just that he scored 30+ pts and had 19 rebs, it was the WAY he got those points. On the blocks. It didn't matter who the Nuggets threw at him. He scored at will on them all and when he wasn't scoring he was getting to the line. Probably the best overall game I'd ever seen from him.

My respect level for him has grown to a point where I've even found myself defending the guy against some local critics. What more can the guy do for his team? It's not his fault that he doesn't have the supporting cast needed to win a title. Blame the owner and GM.

Perhaps, I bristle at those unwarranted "soft" labels more so because I watched an entire league of idiot experts, fans, and players brand, my main man David Robinson, with the same label. "Couldn't win the big won." "Can't lead his team to a title." That was until Duncan arrived on the scene. 2 titles later and after that, no one ever mentioned David and the word "soft" in the same sentence again. It's amazing "hard" a player looks when he has a championship-level supporting cast surrounding him.

As a basketball fan, you've got to appreciate what Nowitizki provided to his team during that series. I glad the Nuggets beat them. However as far as I'm concerned, Dirk should never be called soft ever again. Other than that, I don't give a damn about his personal life - nor should anyone else for that matter.

[Ghazi]

Dirk is too flawed to be the best player on a championship team.

There's 2 reasons he doesn't have a ring:

1. The refs fucked the Mavs in 2006
2. Dirk is too flawed to be the best player on a title team.

[BUMP]

Dirk is too flawed to be the best player on a championship team.

There's 2 reasons he doesn't have a ring:

1. The refs fucked the Mavs in 2006
2. Dirk is too flawed to be the best player on a title team.

Disagree. see 04 Pistons. who was their best player? Billups?

[Ghazi]

04 Pistons are an exception to the rule though.

They were amazing defensively too.

Dirk would have to be the best player in the same way KG was the best player on the Celtics. KG has no business being the best player on a championship team but it was so because they had a triumvirate of stars and 3 hall of famers.