Dirk’s Quest

I am a die-hard Boston Celtics fan, but I am rooting for Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals.  This is Dirk's year, a pay-off for his years of hard work and loyalty to Dallas.  He led his team to a historic comeback the other night with his team down by 15 points with less than 8 minutes left in the game.  The kid from Würzburg showed both game and heart, prompting instant comparisons to the great Michael Jordan. 

But would Michael Jordan have forfeited $5 million in salary to allow his team to acquire other talent?  In this era where professional sports is dominated by greed Dirk Nowitzki stands alone: 

Dirk Nowitzki ist ein globaler Superstar, aber er ist auch, nicht nur dem Trikot nach, ein Maverick. Seit sich ein texanischer Großgrundbesitzer dieses Namens im 19. Jahrhundert weigerte, seine Rinder zu brandmarken, beschreibt das Wort im Amerikanischen einen Freigeist, einen, der von der Norm abweicht. Nowitzki tut das nicht, weil er partout auffallen wollte oder das große Statement suchen würde. Eher im Gegenteil. Aber er hat etwas im heldenfixierten Sport dieser Tage sehr Seltenes geschafft und sich seine Romantik behalten. Er ist ein leidenschaftlicher Athlet geblieben und ein ziemlich natürlicher Mensch.

(Dirk Nowitzki is a global superstar, but he also – and not just because of his uniform – a maverick. Ever since a Texan rancher with this name refused to brand his cattle back in the 19th century, the word describes an American type of free spirit, one who deviates from the norm.  Nowitzki does this not because he wants to stand out or wants to make a grand statement. Just the opposite.  But he has accomplished something unique in the era where everyone is fixated on sports heroes and held on to his romantic spirit. He remains a passionate athlete and a pretty normal human being.) 

I hope that Dallas will go on and defeat Miami for the championship. But whatever the outcome, Dirk Nowitzki has brought excitement, emotion and honor back into a sport that sorely needs it.