Latest news with #DirkNowitzki
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Who's the girl?' - Iconic fadeaway master Dirk Nowitzki shaking legs with mystery girl sparks buzz among fans
Iconic fadeaway master Dirk Nowitzki shaking legs with mystery girl sparks buzz among fans (Image Credit: Getty Images) NBA and Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki moved the internet by shaking legs with a mystery girl on TikTok. In the video, he is seen matching steps with the girl, reminding fans of his dancing capabilities. Dirk and dance go hand in hand, as the former Dallas Mavericks single-legged fadeaway genius has been often reported as showing off his dancing skills on and off the court. Even his fadeaway style had some element of dance in it. The only basketball star to have played for a single franchise for 21 years sparked buzz among fans with his recent video. Everyone wanted to know more about the mystery girl. Dirk Nowitzki was put at the top among the NBA stars who had the most efficient fadeaway shots accumulated in their career. As per a sports news portal, the iconic guard beat Michael Jordan in the list with 47% fadeaway shots converted into goals. Dirk Nowitzki's new partner in a dance video sparks curiosity among fans Known for his impressive dance moves on and off the court, Dirk Nowitzki does it again with his new dance video with a TikTok content creator. The new video was shared by ClutchPoints on their X handle, where the NBA legend was seen copying the steps of a mystery girl having @Layla as TikTok handle. The tweet read: 'Dirk Nowitzki showing some dance moves on TikTok (via Layla/TT)' The dance video showed him trying to copy his girl partner's moves, which turned quite hilarious. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Never Put Eggs In The Refrigerator. Here's Why... Novelodge Undo But, it was the girl who caught fans' attention and all wanted to know who she was. @thefloatergang asked, 'Who is the girl?' Another user, @LobTies, chipped in another guess, 'That girl is 1000% German' An X user @Heatspeare_ suggested, 'that can't be his dawter' Fans commented on Dirk Nowitzki's dance video (Source:X) Dirk Nowitzki topped list of most efficient all-time fadeaway shot makers of NBA Dirk Nowitzki was a strong force to reckon with during his active playing years in the NBA. The 7-feet-tall player had created his signature fadeaway style, which had no match. He converted 47% of his fadeaway shots into goals, which Yardbraker's report dated August 3 recognized in full glory. The sports news portal paid tribute to his legacy by putting him at the top of the list, surpassing Michael Jordan. Dirk Nowitzki's Iconic One-Legged Fadeaway | Signature Move The report mentioned how his signature fadeaway style put him at the forefront of the Dallas Mavericks' defense, a team he associated with for all 21 years of his career, spanning between 1998 and 2019. With a fadeaway style of his own, he offered something to learn on the court. And, off the court, he continued to amuse teammates and fans with his sultry dance moves, which became synonymous with his name. Dirk Nowitzki is undoubtedly a complete entertainer, both on and off the court. Also Read: LeBron James sportingly appreciates Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki's breakdown of an innovative basketball tactic Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Yahoo
02-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Luka Doncic looking forward, not back, in signing extension with Lakers
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — One year ago, Luka Doncic could not have envisioned this moment. He expected to follow in Dirk Nowitzki's footsteps as a lifelong Maverick. Instead, there he was Saturday in the Lakers' practice facility, wearing a suit and having just signed a contract extension, talking about chasing a ring in purple and may have taken a minute to get there after a shocking mid-season trade, but now Doncic is where he wants to be — in Los Angeles, with the Lakers. "I was kind of thinking, obviously not at the moment when I got traded, but later on when I started playing, I wanted to be here," Doncic said. "Like I said, this is an amazing organization. We have a trust in each other, so honestly, I decided pretty quick." After he made that mental decision there was not much drama leading up to Saturday, when Doncic chose the Lakers, putting his signature on a three-year contract max contract extension that could be worth up to $165 million (but more likely ends up around $160.8 million, based on the NBA's salary cap projections). "Six months ago to the day, the Los Angeles Lakers chose Luka Doncic through a trade where he came to our franchise," Lakers GM Rob Pelinka said. "Today, Luka Doncic chose the Los Angeles Lakers." 'Skinny' Luka The talk of the Lakers' offseason has not been Doncic's contract extension, but his post-trade revenge body — Doncic looks noticeably thinner and conditioned, even when wearing a suit. Doncic talked about his process this offseason. "For the first month, I didn't play basketball at all," Doncic said of his conditioning plan, echoing what he told Men's Health magazine. "We were more focused on other things. So I think that kind of sparked, the first five days was really hard without basketball. I actually didn't know what to do, but after it was easier. But physically, weightlifting, balancing, those stuff, and then after one month we started playing basketball, too." As for the trade sparking a "revenge body" transformation, Doncic tried to sidestep the idea. "I would just say, it was like a fresh start for me," Doncic said. "Obviously, I was on my way of doing it [already], but it was just kind of a fresh start. I had a little more time to get my mind on basketball, just doing other things. So, I would just say, like, a fresh start for me." Doncic talks titles It's hard to escape the history in the Lakers' practice facility. The banners from the team's 17 NBA titles hang over the courts, while the walls are lined with the retired names and numbers of Hall of Fame Lakers legends — Jerry West, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant and many more. Doncic doesn't shy away from that, he leans into it, saying multiple times he wants to add to the banners and see his name on the wall of this facility someday. He also thinks this Lakers roster has a chance to be special. "Honestly, I think we have a great team," Doncic said. "We have what we need to compete for the championship. I'll bring whatever I can... We got some new great guys being on the team. We're going to go for it." The Lakers, who had for years tried to build a roster to maximize LeBron James' skill set, shifted to building around Doncic after the trade. That meant bringing in a rim-running center this summer and trying to add 3&D wings who can knock down shots and space the floor, taking advantage of Doncic's pick-and-roll mastery. "In conversations with Luka, it was really important for us to get a rim, lob-catching center," Pelinka said. "And we feel like getting Deandre Ayton was huge. It's going to unlock so much in Luka's game. As you can tell in the pick-and-roll reads, he's the best in the world, and I think Deandre is going to really help. "And then, our thesis for our roster was to get younger. And I think getting some 3&D players like Jake LaRavia that we could add at his age [23], 42% shooter [from 3], having wings that can shoot and play on both sides of the ball, I think is also really important. And then being able to add Marcus Smart, Defensive Player of the Year a couple years ago. I think there's a chip on his shoulder to be back at that level and put the league on notice. "I think having players like that surrounding both Luka and LeBron, guys that can defend multiple positions is really important. So we like the upgrades we were able to make to the roster."Whether those upgrades are enough in a stacked Western Conference will play out when the NBA season opens in 80 days. In the short term, after a night celebrating this new contract (saying it was a "surprise" what was planned for him), Doncic is off to Slovenia to compete with his national team at EuroBasket. Doncic's love for his country and his passion for representing it should never be questioned. Now, neither should his desire to be a Laker — he has now chosen them.
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
"Once in a while I pack some bags and take it to Germany with me" - Dirk Nowitzki on what he does with his old Nike gear
"Once in a while I pack some bags and take it to Germany with me" - Dirk Nowitzki on what he does with his old Nike gear originally appeared on Basketball Network. Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki was a Nike-sponsored athlete from the start to the end of his NBA career. With Nike constantly supplying its athletes with its products, Nowitzki received tons of Swoosh gear during his tenure in the league, so much that he couldn't fit it all in his closet. In 2015, Nowitzki talked to the Dallas News about his longtime relationship with Nike and what he did with all the merchandise that he received from the Swoosh brand throughout the years. "I signed actually already right before I came into the league," said Dirk. "I already had a contract with Nike Germany back then. So I've been with them for almost 20 years. I don't know, basketball, they're just the best. The shoes, the gear. If you start going to soccer and other sports, it gets iffy, but for hoops, they're the best." Dirk caught Nike's eye at the 1998 Nike Hoops Summit During the 1998 Nike Hoops Summit on March 29, 1998, in San Antonio, the world got its first glimpse of Nowitzki's greatness. Facing a U.S. team that included future NBA stars like Al Harrington, Rashard Lewis, Stromile Swift, and Quentin Richardson, Nowitzki led the World Team to its first-ever win over the Americans in the event. The then 19-year-old German scored 33 points on 6-12 shooting, including 2-3 from 3-point distance and a ridiculous 19-23 from the free throw line with 14 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals as the World team defeated the United States 104-99. Since the NBA Draft was still three months away, Dirk returned to Germany after the game. And while he did not say when exactly he signed a deal with Nike, that most likely occurred during this period or before he returned to the United States to report to the Mavs. "When you represent Nike, you can't always wear the older stuff," added Dirk. "You can't walk in and wear clothes from five or six years ago. So what I do is, some older stuff, once in a while, I pack some bags and take it to Germany with me. I've got a bunch of guy friends that I grew up with that play basketball that are also 6'10", 6'11 ", 7-feet. And they can usually clean me out. They can have everything, old shirts, old sweaters, sweatsuits, and everything, shorts, shoes."Nike was the only brand that Dirk endorsed Curiously, despite his popularity, Nowitzki's deal with Nike was his only major endorsement deal, at least up to 2011. According to a Bloomberg report, Dirk never had a business manager or an agent. Despite being the best player on his team, he was the only one without a representative. The reason? He came to the U.S. to play in the NBA, nothing more. "I always wanted to be a basketball player. Nothing more. Nothing less," Nowitzki told Bloomberg. "I have never really considered myself to be a 'brand.' Sure, there are a few things that I wouldn't mind endorsing, and maybe some day it will work out. For now, I am happy with where I am." Nowitzki did have career earnings of $251 million after playing 21 years in the NBA, and he was more than content with story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dirk Nowitzki breaks down the secrets behind his leadership style: "Always set the tone through actions within the team"
Dirk Nowitzki breaks down the secrets behind his leadership style: "Always set the tone through actions within the team" originally appeared on Basketball Network. True leadership often speaks softly but commands respect. As leadership expert Simon Sinek puts it, "Leadership is not about being in charge. It's about taking care of those in your charge." Few NBA figures embodied this better than Dirk Nowitzki, who led the Dallas Mavericks to their only NBA championship title with his quiet yet powerful leadership. In a recent interview on the German podcast "OMR," the 47-year-old reflected on what shaped his unique approach to leading a team. Dirk defied the usual leader type When you think of NBA leaders, loud, fiery personalities usually come to mind — players like Kevin Garnett, Rasheed Wallace or Metta Sandiford-Artest, who commanded the spotlight with raw intensity. For quieter players, stepping into that role can seem out of reach. Nowitzki, a former ninth overall pick, began his career wrestling with that very challenge. When the seven-footer arrived on American soil in the late 1990s, he kept a low profile, rarely speaking up in the locker room and careful not to ruffle feathers. Leadership wasn't on his radar. Neither was the relentless glare of the spotlight. Nowitzki, who retired in 2019, described himself as "naturally shy" and "modest." Adjusting to that early fame, media scrutiny, and cultural differences — especially language barriers — was a steep learning curve. Small comments could easily be misunderstood, leading to occasional public missteps. But over time, Dirk grew into his role, staying true to himself and focusing on what mattered most: the game and his but decisive By 2002, Dirty had earned his first All-Star nod. His rise was undeniable, but with it came new expectations. The European basketball icon has often said how tough it was to handle that pressure on the court. But what about in the locker room? In Dallas, teammates started looking to him for direction. Leadership wasn't optional anymore. Almost overnight, the iconic No. 41 had to embrace that role. The problem? As Dirk admitted, he wasn't wired like a traditional locker-room alpha. "My style wasn't giving half-hour speeches. That was never my thing," the one-time champion with the Mavericks said. That insight — paired with another — became crucial. Nowitzki knew forcing a leadership style that didn't fit would come off as "fake," and his fellow Mavs players would see right through it. So he led the only way that felt real to him. "Lead by example — talk less, do more, take on more. Show up early for practice, put in extra work afterward. Play every game — sick, injured, didn't matter. Always set the tone through actions within the team. That was more my style," explained the 2007 MVP. The 2011 NBA Finals gave fans a raw look at what type of leader the Mavs' superstar was made of. Fighting a fever and clearly under the weather, Nowitzki still dropped 29 in Game 5 — including the game-winner. No yelling, no speeches. Just action. Still, there's a key takeaway. As Dirk put it in the interview, leadership isn't one-size-fits-all. "Everyone has to figure out their own way," he advised. For the former 14-time NBA All-Star, that meant showing up, pushing through pain, and letting his play do the story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
"I am satisfied with what I have" - Dirk Nowitzki on why he turned down millions in endorsement deals
"I am satisfied with what I have" - Dirk Nowitzki on why he turned down millions in endorsement deals originally appeared on Basketball Network. Dirk Nowitzki wasn't the usual NBA superstar. Sure, he was one of the first basketball unicorns — the non-traditional seven-footer the league wasn't used to seeing. He played like a small forward and was one of the best shooters in the Association. But aside from playing a game different from traditional big men, Nowitzki was unique away from the court. While other players of his stature were signing endorsement deals left and right, the Dallas Mavericks superstar didn't. Nowitzki's only major endorsement deal was with Nike, and it wasn't because he wasn't marketable. All Dirk wanted to do was play After winning the 2011 NBA championship, Nowitzki told Bloomberg during an interview that he did not have a business manager or an agent. The closest he had to a representative was reportedly a good friend from Germany. He always consulted with him about all of his contracts before signing them. When he came to the United States, all Nowitzki wanted to do was play basketball and make money out of it. He did not have any plans to build his own brand and business empire like the other top stars in the NBA. "There certainly isn't a shortage of offers," Nowitzki said to German magazine Spiegel via NBC Sports. "You wouldn't believe how many watch manufacturers have sent me their models. Just like that. I give them all away. I am satisfied with what I have. How crazy do you have to be when you can afford everything but still clutter up your life with all sorts of advertising appointments? No thanks."Giving away his Nike stuff to his friends Aside from the watches, Nowitzki also gave away his old Nike gear to his friends in Germany. During a 2015 interview with Dallas News, he revealed that every now and then, he would pack his old Nike shoes and apparel and bring them with him to Germany when he would go home during the summer. "When you represent Nike, you can't always wear the older stuff," said the Hall of Famer. "You can't walk in and wear clothes from five or six years ago. So what I do is, some older stuff, once in a while, I pack some bags and take it to Germany with me. I've got a bunch of guy friends that I grew up with that play basketball that are also 6'10", 6'11 ", 7-feet. And they can usually clean me out. They can have everything, old shirts, old sweaters, sweatsuits, and everything, shorts, shoes." Nowitzki was as loyal to Nike as he was to the Mavericks. He signed his shoe deal right before the draft and was a Swoosh athlete until he retired. Looking back, some would say he missed tens of millions of dollars by turning down endorsement offers. He also took massive discounts multiple times to help Mark Cuban sign free agents. However, Nowitzki still made $251 million during his two-decade NBA career. To him, that was more than story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
