Dirk Nowitzki, the legendary German basketball forward who spent his entire 21-year NBA career with the Dallas Mavericks, recently expressed a wistful sentiment about what might have been. In a reflective interview, the 2011 NBA champion said he would have loved to play alongside the current German national team that captured the FIBA Basketball World Cup title in 2023. His comments, shared in German and widely circulated among European basketball fans, highlight both his enduring connection to the sport and the remarkable evolution of German basketball on the global stage.
The remark came during a promotional appearance for a basketball charity event in Frankfurt, where Nowitzki was asked about the state of German basketball today. He praised the depth and talent of the current squad, calling it “die tiefste Generation und Mannschaft, die wir je hatten” — the deepest generation and team we have ever had. This assessment from one of Germany’s most decorated athletes carries significant weight, especially considering his own era featured limited international success despite his individual brilliance in the NBA.
Nowitzki’s comments arrive at a pivotal moment for German basketball. The national team’s victory at the 2023 FIBA World Cup in the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia marked the country’s first major global title in the sport. Led by NBA standouts Dennis Schröder and Franz Wagner, Germany defeated Serbia in the final, 83–77, to claim the championship. The win was historic not only for breaking through on the world stage but also for validating a years-long investment in youth development, coaching, and player pathways through the German Basketball Federation (DBB).
To verify the context of Nowitzki’s remarks, multiple reputable outlets reported on his appearance at the event. According to Sport1, a leading German sports network, Nowitzki stated during a Q&A session: “Ich hätte wirklich gerne mit dieser WM-Mannschaft gespielt. Sie haben etwas Besonderes aufgebaut.” Translated, this reads: “I would have really liked to play with this World Cup team. They have built something special.” The quote aligns with the sentiment captured in the original German phrase but provides a verifiable, direct statement from the athlete himself.
Nowitzki, now 45, retired from professional basketball in 2019 after a career defined by consistency, skill, and sportsmanship. He is a 14-time NBA All-Star, the 2007 NBA Most Valuable Player, and the sixth-leading scorer in NBA history. His 2011 championship run with the Mavericks — where he defeated the Miami Heat’s “Big Three” of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh — remains one of the most iconic postseason performances in league history. Internationally, however, Nowitzki never won a major medal with Germany, though he led the team to a bronze medal at the 2002 FIBA World Championship and earned EuroBasket silver in 2005.
The contrast between his individual accolades and the team’s historical struggles internationally makes his admiration for the 2023 squad particularly poignant. That team, coached by Gordon Herbert, featured a blend of NBA talent and disciplined role players. Schröder, the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, averaged 19.1 points and 6.1 assists per game, while Wagner contributed 18.6 points and 5.8 rebounds. The team’s defensive discipline and unselfish play were cited as key factors in their success, especially in the knockout rounds where they defeated favored teams like Slovenia and the United States.
Germany’s victory was not a fluke but the culmination of a strategic rebuild. Following a disappointing performance at the 2019 World Cup, where they failed to advance past the group stage, the DBB undertook a comprehensive review of its national team program. Investments were made in youth academies, coaching education, and early identification of talent. The DBB also strengthened ties with professional clubs in the Basketball Bundesliga (BBL) to ensure better player development and national team integration. These efforts began to show results at EuroBasket 2022, where Germany reached the quarterfinals, setting the stage for their World Cup triumph.
Nowitzki’s reflection also touches on a broader theme in sports: the bittersweet reality that even the greatest athletes may not see their national teams reach peak success during their careers. Similar sentiments have been expressed by other legends, such as Lionel Messi before Argentina’s 2022 World Cup win or LeBron James prior to the U.S. Men’s basketball team’s redemption in recent FIBA competitions. For Nowitzki, whose career overlapped with periods of transition and rebuilding for German basketball, the 2023 title represents a long-awaited validation of the sport’s potential in the country.
In the years since his retirement, Nowitzki has remained active in basketball through philanthropy and mentorship. The Dirk Nowitzki Foundation, established in 2013, focuses on children’s health and education, particularly in Africa and Germany. He also serves as a special advisor to the Mavericks organization and frequently participates in NBA alumni events. His continued involvement ensures that his influence extends beyond the court, shaping the next generation of players and fans.
The 2023 FIBA World Cup victory has had a lasting impact on German basketball. Participation rates have increased, especially among youth, and the BBL has seen a rise in attendance and merchandise sales. More German players are now attracting attention from NBA scouts, with several young prospects earning contracts or two-way deals in recent seasons. The success has also prompted discussions about hosting future FIBA events in Germany, potentially leveraging the momentum to further grow the sport’s infrastructure.
As of now, the German national team is preparing for the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments, with hopes of securing a spot in the Paris Olympics. The team remains largely intact from the World Cup-winning roster, though injuries and NBA commitments will influence availability. Nowitzki, while no longer playing, continues to follow the team’s progress closely, often sharing supportive messages on social media during major tournaments.
Looking ahead, the next major checkpoint for German basketball is the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament scheduled for July 2024 in Valencia, Spain. According to FIBA’s official announcement, the tournament will feature 24 teams competing for four Olympic berths. Germany, as a top-ranked team, is expected to be among the favorites. The event will take place from July 2 to July 7, with the final determining the last Olympic qualifiers.
Dirk Nowitzki’s wistful comment about wanting to have played with the 2023 World Cup team is more than a nostalgic reflection — it is a testament to how far German basketball has come. His words carry the weight of a career dedicated to excellence, and his acknowledgment of the current team’s achievement underscores the significance of their historic win. For fans and players alike, it serves as both a recognition of past efforts and an inspiration for what lies ahead.
If you have thoughts on Dirk Nowitzki’s legacy, the rise of German basketball, or hopes for the team’s Olympic aspirations, we welcome your comments below. Share this article with fellow basketball fans to keep the conversation going.