Dirk Nowitzki has had a rough beginning to the season. When he has played, the Mavs’ legend has not been his usual self, shooting only 36% from the field. More importantly, Nowitzki has had lingering injuries keep him out of action as the power forward has played in only five games all year.
All of that seems to have weighed heavily on Dirk who now admits he could retire as early as next year. Following via AFP:
“If things don’t go so well and it hurts everywhere, it could be that 2017 will be the end,” the forward told German magazine Sport Bild.
“Actually, my plan is to complete the 20 years and play for Dallas until 2018.
“But just because I have signed a two-year contract doesn’t automatically mean that I will play for two years. It could happen next year.”
Nowitzki signed a two-year deal with the Mavs in July which would take him through his 20th season in the league. That would match Kobe Bryant who also spent his entire career with one team. It would be one more than the years Tim Duncan played and one fewer than the years Kevin Garnett played.
Clearly, no one wants to see Dirk retire yet. He was still a phenomenal player last season as he willed the Mavericks ahead. But if injuries are taking a toll on him like he suggests, it may be smarter to call it a fantastic career and move on.
