Dirk Nowitzki Announces Retirement, Mark Cuban Makes Two Promises

Dirk Nowitzki ended his final home game for the Dallas Mavericks with 30 points and 8 rebounds as they ran out 120-109 winners over the Phoenix Suns. The German went on to officially announce his retirement after the game, much to the shock of all the fans at the American Airlines Center.

The 40-year-old brought to an end a 21-year career that saw him win the NBA championship with the Mavericks in 2011, the NBA Finals MVP the same year and the regular season MVP in 2007. He ranks sixth on the all-time scoring list and is certain to be a future Hall of Famer.

"As you might expect," an emotional Nowitzki told the sold-out Dallas crowd, "this was my last home game. This is obviously super super emotional, there’s too many people to thank.”

Nowitzki went on to thank owner Mark Cuban and the entire Mavericks staff, not only for this season but for the last 21 years. He also thanked the fans for sticking with him through all the ups and downs.

"I've put you guys on a hell of a ride with a lot of ups and downs and you guys always stuck with me and supported me, and I appreciate it," Nowitzki said to loud cheers from the packed stadium.

The German thanked all his teammates during his long career, estimating he probably had over 200 teammates. He admitted that this season was physically difficult for him, which made many assume it could be his last campaign in the NBA.

Mavericks owner Cuban came on to the court after Nowitzki’s announcement and paid an emotional tribute to the greatest Maverick ever. He made multiple promises to the German, which included offering him a job for life with the franchise and confirming there would be the “biggest, baddest statue” of Nowitzki in front of the arena.