Dallas Mavericks retire Dirk Nowitzki’s No. 41 jersey, unveil rendering of statue
Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki, who retired two seasons ago, was forever immortalized after Wednesday’s game at American Airlines Center.
Nowitzki’s No. 41 jersey was officially retired during an emotional ceremony after the Mavs’ 99-82 win over the Golden State Warriors.
Mavs owner Mark Cuban unveiled for the first time a model of a future statue of Nowitzki, which will eventually stand outside the Mavs’ arena. The statue shows Nowitzki launching his famous, one-legged, fade away jumper.
Nowitzki, who will undoubtedly be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in three years, played his entire 21-year career for the Mavs. He led them to their lone NBA championship in 2011. A street near the arena was renamed Nowitzki Way in 2019.
For Wednesday’s festivities, memorabilia from throughout Nowitzki’s career was on display on the AAC concourse.
Members of the 2011 title team were on hand, including current Mavs coach Jason Kidd, who helped pay tribute to Nowitzki. NBA commissioner Adam Silver was also on hand and was part of the ceremony.
This story was originally published January 5, 2022 at 9:25 PM.
