Is Dirk Nowitzki no longer a superstar? That seem to be the misconception that many people have. Like with Kobe Bryant, many wonder just how many more years Nowitzki has left in the tank. Already committed to signing a contract extension with Dallas next summer, owner Mark Cuban is confident Nowitzki is still active for many years. In fact, Cuban is already predicting an MVP-like season.
Nowitzki had a streak of 11 consecutive All-Star appearances snapped last season when he missed 29 games after knee surgery. Cuban does not think it is a sign of slowing down but more just a fluke season.
"If there's one missing piece between what everyone is saying and what we're doing, everybody, I think, has dismissed Dirk--like Dirk is done and he's on the downside and he can't play anymore and he's not the type of contributor that he was," Cuban said. "If you look at the mess that we had in terms of our guard play and basketball IQ, when Dirk came back and really got into gear, we beat a lot of good teams."
Nowitzki did help the Mavericks when he got back into the lineup, but he only averaged 17.3 points per game--his lowest since his rookie season in 1998-99. Dallas missed the playoffs for the first time since 1999-2000. But with Nowitzki healthy and back to his old form, Cuban thinks the MVP trophy is not a far-fetched idea.
"Like I've been telling him, Karl Malone won an MVP at 35 and there's no reason why he can't be considered in an MVP conversation at 35. I can tell you, the way people are just randomly dismissing him as being done as been incredible motivation for him as well," Cuban said.
Nowitzki has put together an MVP season before. He won the trophy in 2006-07 season as well as winning the NBA Finals MVP trophy in 2011. Nowitzki helped the Mavericks go 18-12 after the All-Star break last season, shooting 50.5 percent from the floor and 43.3 percent from beyond the arc.
With several additions this offseason, Cuban might not be far off with his prediction. They signed Jose Calderon to a four year deal. He is a pass-first style point guard who should open plenty of opportunities for Nowitzki. The two should be able to execute the pick-and-roll to perfection. Cuban notes that winning the MVP is hard, but promises that Nowitzki is still that kind of player.
"Maybe Dirk won't win an MVP, but trust me, Dirk can still play."
