A free agent this past summer, it was not a surprise that Dirk Nowitzki returned to the Dallas Mavericks. Dirk has played each of his first 19 NBA seasons with the Mavericks — acting as the face of the franchise in the process.
There really wasn’t any thought given to the idea that the 39-year-old future Hall of Famer would be calling another city home this season. And despite regression on the court, it looks like the 2017-18 season won’t be his last with the Mavericks.
“Maybe this year will be his last year. I tend to think he wants to beat Kobe (Bryant) and be that guy,” Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said about Dirk, via ESPN.
Prior to retiring following the 2015-16 season, Bryant played his entire 20-year NBA career with the Lakers. That currently stands as a record around the Association. Currently entering his 20th season with Dallas, Dirk would break said record if he decided to play beyond 2017-18.