Nowitzki: Injuries could force retirement at end of season
The end goal for Dallas Mavericks veteran Dirk Nowitzki is to make it to a 20th season with the organization before calling it a career.
At 38 years old, and currently dealing with an Achilles injury that's kept him sidelined for all but five games this season, Nowitzki is at least open to the idea that his body may not allow him to compete for a final campaign.
"If things don't go so well and it hurts everywhere, it could be that 2017 will be the end," he told German magazine Sport Bild.
"Actually, my plan is to complete the 20 years and play for Dallas until 2018. But just because I signed a two-year contract doesn't automatically mean that I will play for two years. It could happen next year."
Related - Nowitzki on Achilles injury: 10 years ago I'd still be able to play effectively
Head coach Rick Carlisle informed reporters earlier in the week that Nowitzki will continue to be out indefinitely, and to not hold your breath if you're expecting him back in uniform as early as this week.
The 13-time All-Star inked his two-year, $50-million contract - bumped up from the originally agreed upon $40 million - over the summer.
He's averaging 12.2 points on 35.8 percent shooting, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 26.2 minutes, with Dallas owning the worst record in basketball at 6-18.