For better or worse, the modern NBA tends to prioritize the business side of basketball over more sentimental concerns such as loyalty. Just ask Ray Allen. In an era when it’s increasingly rare for a player to remain with the team who drafted him throughout his entire career, it’s refreshing when someone tries to buck that trend.
Kobe Bryant and the Lakers, for instance, somehow managed to make it through a rocky few years when wavering loyalties on both sides threatened to split them apart. But in the end, his 20 seasons with the Lakers stands as the longest tenure for a player with one franchise.
Of course, Bryant shares that record with Mavs legend Dirk Nowitzki, who at 39 years old is currently in his 20th season. As of today, Nowitzki apparently plans on coming back for one more year, which would render him the sole possessor of that record and move him into a tie with Kevin Garnett, Robert Parish, and Kevin Willis for the longest NBA career ever.
Via Marc Stein of The New York Times:
It won’t be official until some point in the off-season, after Nowitzki steps away next month for a telling round of consultation with his wife Jessica and Geschwindner as well as a thorough evaluation of his health. Yet all signs point to a 21st consecutive season with the Mavericks, the only N.B.A. team he’s known.
“As of now, I’m planning to come back,” said Nowitzki, who turns 40 on June 19. “I feel great. I’ve only missed one game all season. I signed a two-year contract because I wanted to play two more years. And here we are.”
On the one hand, it’s somewhat curious that Nowitzki would want to return at this point. Dallas is mired in a 22-51 season and shows little signs of being much better next year, beyond landing a high lottery pick and continuing a long-term rebuilding process. Nobody would’ve blamed Nowitzki for throwing in the towel after this season amid all the turmoil.
Despite this, Germany’s best hoops export obviously still loves playing the game and wants to do so for as long as he’s capable. Many of his fans around the world are certainly on board for that.
(Via The New York Times)
