Dirk Nowitzki said goodbye with many tears seven years ago. Back then, in the summer of 2015, Germany’s basketball players had already failed in the preliminary round at the home European Championship after four defeats. After the narrow 76:77 against the later title holders Spain in the Berlin Arena, Nowitzki ended his career in the DBB selection after 153 international matches.
On Thursday evening, Nowitzki was honored for his services in the national jersey. Before the German team’s opening game at the European Championships against France, the German Basketball Association (DBB) pulled Nowitzki’s jersey with the number 14 under the roof of the Cologne Arena in recognition of his achievements. In the future, no national player will wear them anymore.
Shortly after 8 p.m., Nowitzki entered the stalls of the darkened arena and took a seat next to Frank-Walter Steinmeier. After a short video with highlights from the long career of the Würzburg, the Federal President took the floor. Accompanied by MVP shouts, Steinmeier said: “Your records are legendary. Her hero status is undiminished three years after the end of her career. It’s easy to become a star in sport, but sporting glory is fleeting. In order to remain a hero in the long term, sporting achievements are not enough,” emphasized the German head of state.
“You also need heart and character, otherwise the best technology is useless. You keep proving that you have both,” Steinmeier acknowledged. Nowitzki has remained a team player beyond the sport, who is there for his fellow human beings. “As of today, your shirt number, which you have worn in 153 international matches, will remain yours forever. You have inspired millions of people with your way of playing,” said the Federal President.
The humble superstar had to breathe deeply in his chair with tears in his eyes. The two coaches involved had already expressed their respect for Nowitzki before the jump ball. “It’s great for Dirk, but also for our players. People know who Dirk is, but not who Leon Draisaitl is,” explained national coach Gordon Herbert. His French colleague Vincent Collet praised: “For a long time, Dirk was one of the players who dominated Europe along with Tony Parker and Pau Gasol.”
After Hamane Niang, president of the world association Fiba, and DBB boss Ingo Weiss had recognized Nowitzki’s achievements, his oversized jersey floated under the hall ceiling. It is to accompany the German national team at every home game from now on. “It’s a huge honor for me. You know that I’ve always enjoyed playing for my country, so it means a lot to me,” said Nowitzki, who expressly thanked all DBB employees, national coaches and teammates. The 44-year-old ended his speech with a loud “Let’s go, Germany” and then high-fived all the German players.
On the day of the award, Nowitzki celebrated with many former companions. The Dallas Mavericks were represented by owner Mark Cuban, coach Jason Kidd and Nowitzki’s former teammate Michael Finley. The current Mavericks guard Luka Doncic was also in the audience after the Slovenian victory at the start of the European Championship against Lithuania (92:85).
