Halfway across the country from Miami, there was another semi-farewell ceremony taking place.
The Dallas Mavericks, their employees, and the team’s fans were treating the game against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday as a farewell for Dirk Nowitzki. Mavericks reporter Tim Cato shared this cool video showing Mavericks employees lined up to welcome Nowitzki to the game. According to Cato, players usually drive down the strip and give their car to valet to park, but Dirk got out and walked around 500 feet, high-fiving employees along the way.
there were literally hundreds of mavs and arena employees lined up to welcome Dirk to tonight’s game pic.twitter.com/oyr9J9tbO7
— Tim Cato (@tim_cato) April 9, 2019
Every seat at American Airlines Center had shirts on them featuring a 41.21.1, which represents the 21 seasons Nowitzki, who wears jersey No. 41, has played for one team.
every seat has dirk heads and 41.21.1 shirts tonight pic.twitter.com/Wjt4bvx4GF
— Tim Cato (@tim_cato) April 9, 2019
Dirk hasn’t officially said this will be his final season, but Cato says many people believe he likely will walk away.
for the “Dirk hasn’t made it official” crowd:
those closest to Dirk, and even Dirk himself, all seem sure this is it. he could return! he likely won’t.
we can always do this again. but you’ll feel dumb not celebrating his final couple games if he does hang it up this summer.
— Tim Cato (@tim_cato) April 9, 2019
Dirk’s lack of an announcement meant he didn’t receive the same type of farewells the way Dwyane Wade has around the league, but many have taken it upon themselves to honor him in case this is it.
