The Dallas Mavericks are undergoing significant long-term changes after firing general manager Nico Harrison earlier this season.
Would it pave the way for NBA Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki to enter the picture and take the reins? That might not be the case as the franchise legend provided his thoughts on the scenario.
Dirk Nowitzki’s Stance on Taking GM Position
Nowitzki spent his entire NBA career with the Mavericks from 1998 to 2019, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players ever to play the game.
He led the franchise to their first-ever title after beating the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals. He also won MVP in 2007, earned 14 All-Star selections, and landed on 12 All-NBA teams.
Enjoying retirement as a player, Nowitzki has taken on different ventures surrounding the sport. He has taken an NBA analyst role on Amazon while serving on the FIBA Players’ Committee, continuing to help grow the sport at the international level.
Nowitzki gave an interview to Leonard Friedl of Sports Illustrated’s German chapter. Friedel asked the Mavericks legend about considering the franchise’s general manager position after they fired Harrison, something that the former champion provided a clear response.
“I don’t think the GM role is something I’m considering right now. I always thought that when I retired, I’d immediately move into management with the Mavericks. However, the longer I was out of the business after my playing career ended, the less interesting it became to me,” Nowitzki said.
“I think it’s an incredibly intense job, 24/7, all year round. When the season is over for players and coaches and they take a break, the work for GMs just keeps going with the draft, free agency, and trade deadlines. It’s an absolute full-time job that I couldn’t imagine doing right now. I like my life the way it is right now. I enjoy having things going on with my roles at Prime and the FIBA Players’ Committee, but I also still have plenty of time for my family and children. That’s why I don’t see a GM role in my immediate future.”
What Lies Ahead for Nowitzki’s Mavericks Squad This Season?
It’s clear that Nowitzki enjoys the responsibilities he has, and he understands the pressure he would face if he took the general manager job. In the meantime, he will continue supporting the Mavericks while they try to get into the playoff picture this season, while building their core for the long term.
Dallas currently stands at 17-26, in 12th place in the Western Conference standings. They are 2.5 games ahead of the Utah Jazz and 5 games ahead of the Sacramento Kings. However, they trail the Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies by two games.
The Mavericks are on the road before returning home for two games. They face the New York Knicks on Jan. 19 at 5 p.m. ET, then host the Golden State Warriors on Jan. 22 at 7:30 p.m. ET, and the Los Angeles Lakers on Jan. 24 at 8:30 p.m. ET.
