Dirk Nowitzki Reveals Whether or Not He’s Interested in Coaching German National Team

The best international player in NBA history (for now), former 21-year Dallas Mavericks power forward Dirk Nowitzki, was at the forefront of the first bona fide superstar wave of All-Star and Hall of Fame-caliber overseas players to make a splash in the league.

So would the 46-year-old ever consider imparting his wisdom to the next generation of prospects from his native Germany?

During a press conference to celebrate retiring All-NBA point guard Goran Dragic, Nowitzki revealed how that he ultimately doesn’t see himself on a club’s or national team’s bench, per Cesare Milanti of Eurohoops. But that doesn’t mean he has totally shut the door on coaching at all, as he explained.

“I don’t think I see coaching in my future,” Nowitzki revealed. “Things could change very quickly, but I don’t see myself as a team coach. I see [myself more] as an individual coach. I go to all the big tournaments with FIBA, we have a family office in Dallas. I’m learning new things and new interests. I will stick around basketball, not sure in which capacity.”

Now a special advisor to the Mavericks (i.e. essentially a part-time assistant coach), the 7-footer twice medaled while playing for Germany for international completion. He led Team Germany to a bronze medal at the 2002 FIBA World Cup in Indianapolis. Despite that finish, he still nabbed FIBA World Cup MVP honors. Nowitzki also helped Team Germany secure a silver medal at the 2005 EuroBasket competition, while again being named that tournament’s MVP.

“I always loved playing for my country, it meant a lot to me,” Nowitzki added. “Basketball gave me so much, we played in the NBA, and with the time difference, we always played at night. For me, it was important to play in the summer so that fans could see us up close. I didn’t regret ever playing for the national team, it was an honor.”

The 2007 MVP and 2011 champion, a 14-time All-Star and 12-time All-NBA honoree revolutionized the game with his versatile scoring aptitude. Nowitzki was one of the best players of his generation and a key reason the NBA has gotten so international.

Nowitzki’s homeland could certainly use his help if this year’s results are any indication.

Although the German men’s program won the FIBA World Cup in 2023, the squad failed to medal at the 2024 Olympic games in Paris.

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