NBA star: Nowitzki's Dallas jersey immortalized in basketball arena

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Dirk Nowitzki

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LM Otero / AP

Germany's basketball icon Dirk Nowitzki has been recognized for his career with the Dallas Mavericks.

In a solemn ceremony, the white jersey with Nowitzki's number 41 was pulled under the ceiling of the hall.

From now on, a white jersey with blue inscription will be hanging clearly visible in the American Airlines Center in Dallas.

The number 41 is no longer awarded by the club from Texas, which Nowitzki made NBA champions in 2011.

“It was a breathtaking journey.

What a special ceremony, ”said the 43-year-old.

Nowitzki and his family took part in the celebration, which was attended by league boss Adam Silver and Mavs owner Mark Cuban as well as numerous players from the former championship team.

When it was the turn of the native Würzburg himself, he pulled a cheat sheet out of his pocket and gave a humorous acceptance speech for around 20 minutes.

Together with his three children, he then pressed the corresponding button to pull the jersey up.

"It is an honor to share this with you"

Club boss Cuban had previously unveiled a miniature Dirk Nowitzki statue.

“It will be in front of the arena - and the next arena and the arena after that.

And it will be big, ”said Cuban.

Nowitzki had played for the Mavericks in 21 NBA seasons and won the 2011 championship with the Texans. In front of his jersey, only those of Derek Harper, Brad Davis and Rolando Blackman were pulled under the club's roof.

"It's an honor to share this with you," Nowitzki told the trio.

Before the ceremony, the Mavericks had won against contender Golden State Warriors.

They beat the best team to date in the North American professional league NBA on Wednesday evening (local time) with 99:82 (50:39).

ngo / dpa