ADVERTISEMENT

Mavericks star confirms return for 20th season

Nowitzki became only the sixth player in NBA history to reach the 30,000-point mark this year.

Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrates after scoring his 30,003 career point in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center on March 7, 2017 in Dallas, Texas

Nowitzki, who turns 39 in June, said last month he planned to honor the final two years of his contract, form and fitness permitting.

And the German ace reconfirmed that pledge on Thursday in an interview following the conclusion of the regular season.

"Definitely playing next year," Nowitzki told reporters.

ADVERTISEMENT

Nowitzki averaged 14.2 points in 54 games this season, his lowest average since his rookie season of 1998-99 when he contributed 8.2 per game.

"If I feel like I did at the end, I think I can play another one after that," Nowitzki said, raising the prospect of playing in the 2018-2019 season.

"I will just leave all that open. When I signed on for two more years last summer, that was the plan."

Nowitzki became only the sixth player in NBA history to reach the 30,000-point mark this year when when he broke the barrier in March.

The power forward has scored 30,260 points. The Mavericks finished outside the playoff places in 11th spot this season with a 33-49 record.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.com.gh

ADVERTISEMENT