Dirk Nowitzki Biography

Fast Facts

• Led the Mavericks to their first NBA Finals in franchise history, but lost to the Miami Heat in six games
• Owner of the Dirk Nowitzki Foundation, which provides education and medical needs to children worldwide
• Played for DJK Wurzburg from 1994 to 1998 in the Second Bundesliga before being drafted as the ninth overall pick in the 1998 NBA Draft
• He is the all-time stats leader in games, points, rebounds, field goals, three-point field goals and free throws for the Dallas Mavericks, whom he has played for his entire NBA career
• Made his 10th appearance in the All-Star game in 2011 and led his team to the NBA Finals against the Heat once again, winning the series in six games
• Named Finals MVP, scoring 62 fourth-quarter points in the Finals and averaging 27․7 points, 8․1 rebounds and 2․5 assists in 21 playoff games in 2011
• Named Most Valuable Player in 2007 for his regular-season performance, becoming the first European to win the award
• Has played for the German Men's National Team since 1997
• Quote: "Helping kids is one of the best things I get to do as a professional athlete, and it is a privilege to be a part of those events․"
• Son of Helga Nowitzki, a former professional basketball player, and Jorg-Werner, a handball player who played internationally for Germany