Dirk Nowitzki still has yet to debut in what could be his final NBA season, and now it sounds like it could be another month or so before he does.
Addressing reporters on Sunday, Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle said that he would be “thrilled” if Nowitzki was able to play this month, per Dwain Price of Mavs.com. Price also passed along comments that Nowitzki himself made a few days earlier where the 13-time All-Star said that it would still be “weeks” before he could play in a game.
The 40-year-old Nowitzki, who is now in his 21st NBA season, had surgery on his left ankle in April and is still working his way back from it. The Mavericks, meanwhile, have gone just 2-7 thus far in his absence, despite the additions of DeAndre Jordan and rookie Luka Doncic.
Nowitzki remained productive for Dallas in 2017-18 (averaging 12.0 points and 5.7 rebounds a game) and is under contract for $5 million this season. He recently hinted at the possibility of sticking around for a 22nd season, but that may be but wishful thinking if his body cannot hold up.
