Yahoo Sports Dirk Nowitzki on retirement: 'The first two years I didn't check the scores, not even Mavs games'
On how smoothly he has embraced retirement: Dirk Nowitzki: Honestly it's been a fun adjustment. I literally played until I was almost 41 years old. I think I gave my whole body and my mind to the sport and there was just nothing left to give there. And I was totally fine walking away. I could feel that, I think, not only the last season but probably the second-to-last season already with obviously some health issues. And my last season right away I missed the first 30 games with inflammation on my ankle. So it was just ... it was getting super hard to keep up and and I felt that mentally the stuff that I had to go through just to play games the end — it was just no fun anymore. So I was ready to walk away. I really was. I was ready to enjoy my family. And my dream was always to show the kids the world, travel and see places. As people know, my wife's from Sweden and Kenya. Obviously I'm from Germany. So I wanted [their three children] to enjoy life and get to know different cultures and languages. I've got to say: It's been a fun couple years. But I also think, from year to year, that the interest in basketball grew again. I think the first two years [of retirement], I barely watched. When I was traveling, I didn't check the scores — not even Mavs games. I just needed to get away. Now I'm obviously watching for sure all the Mavs' games when I can. I'm watching more again. And my kids are also starting to watch more and get excited about the NBA, so that's also natural for me to sit there with them and watch even more again.
Source: marcstein.substack.com
What's the buzz on Twitter?
The current Mavs season is giving me real 2011 vibes. Mavs were sitting pretty until Dirk hurt his knee and Caron Butler went down. Team got healthy and went on a historic run. We will see if the current version can replicate the success. - 5:27 PM
More on this storyline
Dirk Nowitzki on breaking into the TV business with Amazon: I already knew I wanted to listen to this opportunity, but then when I met with the Amazon people, they were super nice, super laid back, made me feel welcome and comfortable. The interview process was super easy and smooth. And they seemed very, very nice to work with and work for, which was also a big point for me. I didn't want to do this if I feel like I have to go to work and do this with somebody that's going to be hard to deal with or I'm not looking forward to going to work with every week. I would have never done this if I felt that way. I want to be around good people that enjoy the game. I want to just enjoy going to work every week. -via marcstein.substack.com / January 7, 2025
Amazon Prime Video’s inaugural NBA studio coverage will feature former NBA stars Dirk Nowitzki and Blake Griffin, according to sources briefed on the streamer’s plans. Amazon signed Griffin and Nowitzki to join host Taylor Rooks when the platform begins its NBA package later this calendar year. -via New York Times / January 5, 2025
Eddie Sefko: Outgoing CEO Cynt Marshall gets a nice tribute between first and second quarters. She's retiring on Jan. 31 and a video message had comments from Dirk Nowitzki, Mark Cuban, Patrick Dumont and several other heavy hitters. Well-deserved. -via Twitter @ESefko / December 25, 2024
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Dirk Nowitzki on retirement: 'The first two years I didn't check the scores, not even Mavs games'
