Dirk proud to help blaze path for international players

On the eve of his jersey retirement, Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki reflected on the path he helped blaze for international NBA players.

“It makes me proud in a way - as an old father - to see some of those young kids now take over the league. And not only be players on their teams but be franchise players, MVP-type caliber. That's super fun to see," Nowitzki told reporters Tuesday.

He added: "If I helped some young guys or motivated somebody or inspired somebody, that's, of course, an honor for me that I was somewhat a part of their journey."

The towering German also thanked the international players who paved the way for him, including his countryman and three-time All-Star forward Detlef Schrempf, who provided guidance early in Nowitzki's 21-year career.

"(Detlef) was so nice to me and wanted to help me. He wanted me to succeed, was sort of a mentor for me if I needed him. That meant a lot to me," Nowitzki said. "That kind of showed me the way for later on: If I can help some of these young international guys that come over, that's how you do it."

Nowitzki retired after the 2018-19 NBA campaign. The 14-time All-Star was the first European and among six international players to win MVP honors. He sits sixth on the NBA's all-time scoring list and 13th in 3-point field goals made.

Nowitzki led Dallas to its first and only championship in 2011. The 43-year-old holds numerous Mavericks franchise records, including points scored, rebounds, blocks, and appearances.