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Dirk Nowitzki, finally immortalized in front of the American Airlines Center in Dallas
Photo: Emil T. Lippe/AP
They built a monument for him: in front of their home field, the Dallas Mavericks unveiled a statue of their former star player Dirk Nowitzki on Sunday.
Nowitzki was very touched at the ceremony - and satisfied with the statue: "It looks incredible," says Nowitzki.
The moment is "very special and super emotional" for him: "This thing will be here forever."
The 44-year-old Nowitzki had spent his entire NBA career with the Dallas Mavericks.
He played for the Texas team for 21 years until his retirement in 2019, and in 2011 he became champion with the Mavericks.
His jersey hangs under the roof of the arena, the legendary shirt number 41 is no longer assigned in Dallas.
Most recently, the Würzburg native was nominated for induction into the Hall of Fame, and the ceremony will take place in August 2023 in Springfield/Massachusetts.
The statue is located on the »Nowitzki Way«, also named after the basketball player, which leads to the arena.
It shows the German doing his typical "One Leg Fadeaway": Nowitzki jumped back, kept his balance with one leg and threw out of this movement.
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