Dirk Nowitzki Franchise All-Time Scoring Leader
The greatest European player of all time and a Dallas Mavericks legend.
Dirk Werner Nowitzki (born June 19, 1978) is a German former professional basketball player who is a special advisor for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA), with whom he played his entire 21-year career as a power forward. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest power forwards of all time and is considered by many to be the greatest European player of all time.
Quick Facts
- Role
- Small Forward; Power Forward
- Affiliation
- Dallas Mavericks (1998–2019)
- Status
- Retired
- Jersey number
- 41
- Franchise record held
- All-Time Leading Scorer
- Nba championships won
- 1
Lore & Background
Nowitzki was chosen as the ninth pick in the 1998 NBA draft by the Milwaukee Bucks and was immediately traded to the Dallas Mavericks. He led the franchise to 15 NBA playoff appearances (2001–2012; 2014–2016), including the franchise's first NBA Finals appearance in 2006 and its only NBA championship in 2011. He won the NBA Most Valuable Player Award in 2007 and the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award in 2011. Nowitzki is the only player to ever play for a single NBA franchise for 21 seasons.
He is a 14-time All-Star, a 12-time All-NBA Team member, the first European player to start in an All-Star Game, and the first European player to receive the NBA Most Valuable Player Award. He is the highest-scoring foreign-born player in NBA history. The first Maverick to be voted onto an All-NBA Team, he holds several all-time Mavericks franchise records. On December 10, 2012, he became the first non-American player to receive the Naismith Legacy Award.
Following his retirement, Nowitzki stood sixth on the NBA all-time scoring list. In international play, he led the Germany national team to a bronze medal in the 2002 FIBA World Championship and a silver medal in EuroBasket 2005; he was the leading scorer and MVP in both tournaments. He is also the first German men's player to have his number retired, receiving this honor in September 2022. In 2021, he was selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
Nowitzki was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023 and into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2026.
Reader's Guide
Nowitzki wore jersey number 41 with the Mavericks because his preferred number 14 was already taken by Robert Pack. He is known for his scoring ability, versatility, accurate outside shooting, and trademark one-legged fadeaway jump shot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who holds the Dallas Mavericks all-time scoring record?
Dirk Nowitzki stands as the undisputed franchise leader in total points scored during his tenure with the team. He surpassed every other player to hold this distinction permanently following his retirement.
How long did Dirk Nowitzki play for the franchise?
The German forward spent twenty-one seasons wearing jersey number 41 before retiring with the highest point total in club history. His consistency over two decades allowed him to accumulate a record that remains untouchable by current roster members.
What position did Dirk Nowitzki play during his career?
He primarily operated as a small forward and power forward throughout his entire career in Dallas. This versatility allowed him to score effectively from anywhere on the court, contributing significantly to his point accumulation.
Did Dirk Nowitzki win a championship with Dallas?
Yes, he secured one NBA title with the Mavericks during his historic run as the franchise's top scorer. This championship victory further cements his legacy among the greatest players to ever represent the organization.
More in Honours & Records
Elsewhere in Dallas Mavericks
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced