*Dirk Nowitzki was honored with a statue outside the American Airlines Center on Christmas Day.
The NBA championship and MVP award recipient spent 21 seasons with the Dallas Mavericks before retiring in 2016. Dirk spoke to the media prior to the recent Mavs vs Lakers game and shared his thoughts on the debate about who is the greatest professional basketball player of all time.
Dirk was asked specifically about LeBron James’ place in the debate. He explained, “It’s tremendous that he can still play like this in Year 20, his athleticism is incredible, I’m happy for him.”
Dirk added, “I always say Michael Jordan is the GOAT, but if [James] really surpasses Kareem [Abdul-Jabbar] with the scoring record, I’m sort of running out of arguments for Michael.”
READ MORE: LeBron James Passes Magic Johnson on NBA’s Career Assists List
Dirk Nowitzki on when LeBron James breaks the scoring record:
“I always say MJ is the G.O.A.T, [but] if he surpasses @kaj33 w the scoring record I’m kind of running out of arguments for Michael,” says @swish41.#MFFL #BullsNation #Lakeshow pic.twitter.com/EFXAKnj3iH
— Landon Buford (@LandonBuford) December 25, 2022
As the NBA’s sixth all-time leading scorer, Dirk also highlighted LeBron’s accomplishments off the court.
“What this guy has done has been nothing short of incredible — the longevity. I’ll always say being called ‘King’ at 15 [years old] and how he turned out and what he’s done for communities where he played and changed so many lives. He’s a very very special athlete and for now, we need to appreciate watching him at the level he’s playing at.”
Watch his full statement via the Twitter clip above.
Meanwhile, when the Mavs retired Nowitzki’s No. 41 jersey earlier this year, team owner Mark Cuban vowed to erect a statue in Nowitzki’s honor outside the stadium in Dallas. Check out footage from the recent unveiling ceremony below.
The Dirk Nowitzki statue, everyone.
They listened, it has one basketball. pic.twitter.com/vuw2MtmRQj
— Landon Thomas (@sixfivelando) December 25, 2022
In the clip below, Nowitzki gives thanks to those who supported him throughout his 21 seasons with the Dallas Mavericks.
Dirk Nowitzki’s speech giving thanks to everyone who helped him throughout his 21 seasons with the Dallas Mavericks after the statue is u unveiled. pic.twitter.com/KvOEx9GGZ1
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) December 25, 2022
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