Dirk Nowitzki seemed like a natural fit with TNT’s “Inside the NBA” crew.
The Mavericks legend and Hall of Famer didn’t miss a beat while filling in for Shaquille O’Neal, entertaining the national TV audience with a charm Dallas sports fans recognize very well. During Saturday evening’s pregame show, Nowitzki and Charles Barkley revealed an interaction they had when the German superstar was 18.
Nowitzki apparently captured Barkley’s attention when the former pro visited Germany with other NBA All-Stars. After seeing Nowitzki drop 30 points in a half, Barkley took it as a green light to nudge Nowitzki toward his alma mater.
“I said, ‘Can I get your information?’ I want you to go to Auburn,” Barkley said.
Nowitzki responded by telling Barkley he had to go into the German army after high school. He did end up serving for about 10 months after graduation, proving he wasn’t lying to Barkley.
Chuck tried to recruit Dirk to go to Auburn but he had other plans 😂🤣 pic.twitter.com/AoMFs4f9dP
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 4, 2024
The rest of the pregame show flowed smoothly for Nowitzki. He even got to offer his thoughts on the Mavericks’ Game 6 knockout of the Clippers and their upcoming Western Conference semifinal battle with the Thunder.
Nowitzki said he was impressed by the Mavs’ ability to jell after trading for Kyrie Irving last year. He also noted how quickly acquisitions like Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington have positively impacted Dallas’ roster.
“I’m happy for them. There’s a lot of excitement in the city,” Nowitzki said. “We’ll see, I mean OKC had a great year. Obviously, [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander] is an MVP player. It’ll be a fun matchup, so I’m looking forward to the series.”
Since retiring in April 2019 after 21 seasons with the Mavericks, Nowitzki has served as an adviser for the franchise. Is broadcasting in the basketball icon’s future?
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