Dirk Nowitzki

Guide Note:

NBA power forward Dirk Nowitzki currently plays for the Dallas Mavericks. He was selected as the 2007 NBA MVP. He is widely considered one of the best players in the game today with his 7'0" frame, and his impressive outside shooting touch, he is often referred to as a point guard in a center's body. His outside jump shot is considered one of the most reliable shots in the game, and his three point shooting has invited favorable comparisons to all-time greats such as Larry Bird.

Fast Facts:

1. Full name: Dirk Werner Nowitzki
2. Born: June 9, 1978
3. Birthplace: Würzburg, Germany
4. Height: 7'0"
5. Weight: 245 lbs
6. Number: 41
7. 1998: 9th pick in NBA Draft
8. Seven time NBA All-Star and All-NBA
9. 2007: NBA MVP

Dirk Werner Nowitzki was born in Wurzburg, West Germany on June 19, 1978. At a young age Nowitzki was groomed to be a professional basketball player. Tutored by Holger Geschwindner at the age of 16 years old, he played for four years with DJK Wurzburg, a local German team. Often playing with men older then him, he used the experience to develop his game for the highest level.

With the 9th pick in the NBA Draft, the Milwaukee Bucks drafted Dirk Nowitzki, but then traded him to the Dallas Mavericks. After a slow start, and an adjustment to the NBA game, Nowitzki has become a Seven-time All-Star, and Seven-Time All-NBA Player. In 2007, he earned the 2007 NBA Most Valuable Player and is considered one of the best power forwards and pure shooters in the game today.

• 1978: Born in Wurzburg, West Germany on June 9
• 1998: Selected 9th overall in the NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks; traded to the Dallas Mavericks
• 2006: Dallas Mavericks lose in the NBA Finals to the Miami Heat
• 2007: NBA MVP