Nowitzki inducted into the Hall of Fame

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Basketball idol Dirk Nowitzki is the first German to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. As the custodians of the Hall of Fame announced Saturday in Houston, the Wurzburg native is one of six former professionals and coaches who will receive the special honor this year.

Nowitzki played 21 seasons in the North American professional league with the Dallas Mavericks, retiring in 2019. He is the sixth-leading point scorer in league history (31,560) and the most successful scorer born outside the United States.

With the Mavericks, who took his jersey number 41 under the ceiling of the hall in January 2022, the “German prodigy” Nowitzki became NBA champion in 2011 and the most valuable player in the finals. Nowitzki was voted Allstar 14 times. A statue of Nowitzki has since been unveiled in front of the Dallas arena.

Two more Europeans

In addition to the 44-year-old, other legends of the league are also being honored: Pau Gasol (Spain) and Tony Parker (France) are also included, as is Dwyane Wade, who, along with superstar LeBron James, caused a sensation with the Miami Heat for several years .

Iconic San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich and coach Becky Hammon, who became his assistant and the first woman to coach an NBA team at a game, were also chosen. The ceremonial induction into the Hall of Fame will take place in August. (AFP)

Source : Blick