Long Interview with Silke Nowitzki about 10 years NBA

[sefant77]

http://www.spox.com/de/sport/ussport...interview.html

Sry, too lazy to translate all, good luck with babelfish

[DirkFTW]

HAHA, from the main page, I thought this would be a "Long Interview with Silk"

[Sportstudi]

Thanks a lot for the article! Very funny to read!

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by Sportstudi

Thanks a lot for the article! Very funny to read!

I thought it was hilarious too...

(but only because German words look funny to me since I can't read them - anyone care to translate?)

[LonghornDub]

Originally Posted by DirkFTW

HAHA, from the main page, I thought this would be a "Long Interview with Silk"

You silly little dude!!!!!

[ty]

Originally Posted by DirkFTW

HAHA, from the main page, I thought this would be a "Long Interview with Silk"

SilkNowitzkiXpert?

[SMC0007]

Damnit I can't read Germand!

[GermanFan]

"Das sah unglaublich mies aus"
Dirk Nowitzki privat: Seit genau zehn Jahren spielt der Superstar der Dallas Mavericks in der NBA. Zum zehnten Jubiläum spricht Silke Nowitzki (34), als Schwester und Managerin eine der wichtigsten Bezugspersonen, über Frisur-Katastrophen, eine Spritztour mit den Nelsons - und eine legendäre Nacht in Las Vegas.

SPOX: Dirk Nowitzki feiert diese Saison zehnjähriges NBA-Jubiläum. Was schießt Ihnen durch den Kopf?

Silke Nowitzki: Dass es unglaublich ist, wie schnell die Zeit vergangen ist. Zehn Jahre - so lang kommt es einem nicht vor, dass er sich auf seine Reise begeben hat. Eine Reise, die perfekt wäre, wenn es 2006 mit der Meisterschaft geklappt hätte. Aber so fehlt noch das i-Tüpfelchen. Wir als Familie sind natürlich dennoch super stolz auf ihn - auch wenn wir es manchmal nicht richtig glauben können, wie sich das alles entwickelt hat.

SPOX: Zehn Jahre NBA bedeuten zehn Jahre Nowitzki-Frisuren.

Nowitzki: Oh ja! Es war immer wieder überraschend, wie er aufgelaufen ist. Da waren ja schon die abenteuerlichsten Haarschnitte dabei. In den letzten Jahren ist er aber Gott sei Dank konservativer geworden, von den einrasierten Olympia-Ringen mal abgesehen.

SPOX: Gab es No-gos?

Nowitzki: Auf jeden Fall. Da war mal dieses Hörnchen. Dirk hatte sich die Haare von einem Freund aus Würzburg kurz rasieren lassen, aber so ein Haar-Hörnchen über der Stirn blieb übrig. Das sah unglaublich mies aus.

SPOX: Mit seinem musikalischen Talent soll es auch nicht zum allerbesten stehen.

Nowitzki: Es ist auf jeden Fall ausbaufähig (lacht). Musik spielt bei ihm als Ausgleich vom Leistungssport eine sehr wichtige Rolle und nach der NBA-Karriere wird sie wohl einen großen Stellenwert in seinem Leben einnehmen. Aber als Basketball-Profi reicht die Freizeit nicht, um mit der Gitarre, dem Saxophon oder am Klavier zu üben.

SPOX: Haben Sie mit Ihrem Bruder darüber gesprochen, was er nach der Karriere sonst vorhat?

Nowitzki: Privat hat er das große Ziel, Kinder zu bekommen, zu heiraten, eine Familie zu gründen. Er kann sich das schon in naher Zukunft vorstellen. Gerade fehlt im aber ein bisschen die Zeit.

SPOX: Stimmt es, dass bei Ihnen der Beschützerinstinkt aktiviert wird, wenn es um Ihren Bruder geht?

Nowitzki: Ich habe auf jeden Fall das Große-Schwestern-Syndrom. Es ist schon von klein auf so gewesen. Ich habe mich um ihn gekümmert und daran wird sich wohl nie etwas ändern, egal wie oft er beim All-Star-Game war oder ob er Multimillionär ist. Man sorgt sich immer und ist vorsichtig.

SPOX: Sind Sie 2000 nach New York gezogen und haben bei der NBA gearbeitet, um besser auf Dirk aufpassen zu können?

Nowitzki: Indirekt. Früher oder später war es angedacht, dass ich Dirk auch organisatorisch helfen kann. Aber dass ich am Ende fünf Jahre in New York gelebt habe, war eher zufällig. Ich wollte nur ein dreimonatiges Praktikum bei der NBA absolvieren und wurde dann übernommen.

SPOX: Seit Ihrer Rückkehr teilen Sie sich mit Nowitzkis Mentor Holger Geschwindner das Management Ihres Bruders. Wie ist die Aufgabenteilung?

Nowitzki: Es hat sich so entwickelt, dass ich mich mehr um die Pressearbeit und die Stiftung kümmere, Holger eher um die Verträge und das Marketing. Wir sind aber so ein kleiner Kreis, da stecken wir unsere Bereiche nicht richtig ab.

SPOX: Mit 16 lernte Dirk Nowitzki Geschwindner kennen. War Geschwindner schon immer etwas eigenbrötlerisch?

Nowitzki: Holger ist ein absolutes Unikat. Er ist kein einfacher Typ, aber er hat immer nur das Beste für Dirk im Kopf.

SPOX: Es ist ungewöhnlich, dass ein NBA-Star keinen richtigen Spieleragenten hat. Warum?

Nowitzki: Holger kümmert sich seit fast 15 Jahren um Dirk, daher haben wir das auch so belassen. Dirk weiß bei uns, dass wir nur die richtigen Motive verfolgen und voll hinter ihm stehen. Zumal der Arbeitsaufwand überschaubar ist. Anders als einige NBA-Kollegen plant er ja keine Marke "Nowitzki". Er will einfach eine Meisterschaft gewinnen und privat sein Glück finden.

SPOX: Zu seinem privaten Glück gehörte als Jugendlicher definitiv nicht die Schule.

Nowitzki: Die Schule war nie seine große Liebe. Dirk hat sich mehr dem Sport gewidmet und unsere Eltern mussten schauen, dass die Hausaufgaben nicht zu kurz kommen. Anders als auf dem Sportplatz hat Dirk in der Schule immer nur das Nötigste gemacht. Aber am Ende hat er mit Hilfe von uns allen sein Abi geschafft. Ich weiß noch, wie einer seiner Jugendtrainer mit ihm auf dem Rückweg von einem Auswärtsspiel Chemie gebüffelt hat.

"Dirk wird besser als Toni Kukoc."

(Pit Stahl, Nowitzkis erster Jugendtrainer)

SPOX: Als Dirk Nowitzki 13 Jahre alt war, soll sein erster erster Basketball-Trainer Pit Stahl vorausgesagt haben: "Er wird besser als Toni Kukoc."

Nowitzki: Daran kann ich mich gut erinnern. Damals konnte das keiner glauben. Ich dachte nur: Ja ja, lass ihn mal reden. Dass Dirk ein Guter werden kann, war klar, aber dass er solche Dimensionen erreichen würde, hat keiner geahnt.

SPOX: 1998 wurde Dirk Nowitzki gedraftet. Um ihn vom Wechsel nach Dallas zu überzeugen, kamen eigens Trainer Don Nelson, sein Sohn und General Manager Donnie Nelson sowie Besitzer Ross Perot jr. nach Würzburg. War es so surreal, wie es klingt?

Nowitzki: Am besten erinnere ich mich an eine Autofahrt. Dirk sollte die beiden Nelsons nach Bamberg fahren. Sein damaliges Auto war aber ein ganz alter, kleiner, weißer Golf mit einem Kolbenfresser, der einen Riesenlärm verursacht hat. Auf jeden Fall pferchten sich die drei in den Golf und tuckerten nach Bamberg. Dirk hat lange darüber gesprochen, wie peinlich es ihm war.

SPOX: Einige Monate darauf zog Dirk Nowitzki nach Dallas und wurde NBA-Profi. Wie schwer fiel ihm die Entscheidung?

Nowitzki: Sehr. Vorher haben wir nur darüber gelacht. Es hatte alles so unrealistisch gewirkt, und dann kommt auf einmal der Tag, an dem Dirk die Koffer packt. Es war ein schwieriger Schritt für ihn. Der erste Auszug und das gleich in ein neues Land. Zu seinem Glück hat Don Nelson von Anfang an auf ihn gebaut. Weil Dallas damals keine gute Mannschaft war, konnte er sich langsam einfinden, ohne den ganz großen Druck zu spüren.

SPOX: Hilfreich war auch, dass die Mavs im gleichen Jahr Steve Nash verpflichtet haben.

Nowitzki: Das hat gleich perfekt gepasst und es hat sich eine tolle Freundschaft entwickelt. Für mich war es ein beruhigendes Gefühl zu wissen, dass Dirk jemanden hatte, mit dem er sich austauschen konnte. So ist er auch nicht an die falschen Freunde geraten.

SPOX: 2000 kaufte Mark Cuban die Mavericks auf. Dirk Nowitzki und er haben eine besondere Beziehung, obwohl sie optisch wie charakterlich so unterschiedlich sind.

Nowitzki: Das liegt daran, dass Mark ein Basketball-Fan ist und Dirk für sein Talent und seine Arbeitseinstellung bewundert. Andererseits weiß Dirk zu schätzen, wie sehr Mark der Klub am Herzen liegt und mit welchem Engagement Mark dabei ist.

SPOX: Eine Zäsur bedeutete das Jahr 2005. Holger Geschwindner kam wegen des Verdachts der Steuerhinterziehung für fast fünf Wochen in U-Haft.

Nowitzki: Das war ein Schock aus heiterem Himmel. Die Beamten haben unter anderem bei mir, meinen Eltern und bei Holger zur gleichen Zeit die Wohnungen durchsucht. Ich werde es nie vergessen, wie die Beamten auf einmal dastanden. Dirk war damals bei mir und wir mussten machtlos miterleben, wie die Regale durchwühlt wurden und unsere Privatsphäre verletzt wurde. Es war ein sehr, sehr unangenehmes Gefühl.

SPOX: Wenige Wochen darauf stand die EM in Serbien an. Wahrscheinlich Dirk Nowitzkis bestes Turnier. Wie war er zu solch einer Leistung fähig?

Nowitzki: Ich kann mir das nur so erklären, dass Dirk es schon immer geschafft hat, sich auf den Punkt zu konzentrieren. Er hat die besondere Gabe, störende Elemente auszublenden und den Tunnelblick aufzusetzen.
Schlagworte
Dirk Nowitzki Silke Nowitzki Dallas Mavericks Steve Nash Mark Cuban

SPOX: 2006 und 2007 wollte das mit dem Verdrängen aber lange nicht klappen. Die Final-Niederlage gegen Miami, das Erstrunden-Aus gegen Golden State...

Nowitzki: Ich finde aber dennoch, dass bei ihm die Highlights überwogen haben. Natürlich gab es die Dämpfer, dafür blieb er aber auch von schweren Verletzungen verschont und er hat etliche Auszeichnungen gesammelt. Dirk selbst sieht es aber etwas anders. Für ihn ist jedes Jahr ohne Titel eine Enttäuschung.

SPOX: Nach dem K.o. gegen Golden State reiste er nach Las Vegas, um als Trauzeuge bei Ihrer Hochzeit im Hofbräuhaus dabei zu sein. Seine Garderobe soll aus einem grauen Anzug und einem pinken Hemd bestanden haben.

Nowitzki: An das pinke Shirt erinnere ich mich noch. In dem Aufzug hat er sich zu vorgerückter Stunde mit Steve Nash die Gitarre gepackt und mit der Hofbräuhaus-Band ein Ständchen geschmettert. Aber das mit den pinken Shirts ist Geschichte. Mittlerweile gibt es ja einen NBA-Dresscode und Dirk hat die Garderobe umgestellt. Am Anfang dachten wir noch: Oh Gott, wie soll das gut gehen? Aber es ging ja gut. So wie vieles in seiner Karriere.

[GermanFan]

I will do one section at the time (gotta work)

maybe some can help

Dirk Nowitzki privat: Seit genau zehn Jahren spielt der Superstar der Dallas Mavericks in der NBA. Zum zehnten Jubiläum spricht Silke Nowitzki (34), als Schwester und Managerin eine der wichtigsten Bezugspersonen, über Frisur-Katastrophen, eine Spritztour mit den Nelsons - und eine legendäre Nacht in Las Vegas.

DN private: Dirk Nowitzki is playing 10 years for the Mavs nor. Because of his 10th anniversary we talked to Silke Nowitzki (34) his sister and manager and so a important reference, they talked about hair, a tour with the Nelsons and a legendary night in Vegas.

[GermanFan]

Spox : Dirk celebrates this season his 10th NBA anniversary, what comes to mind?

Silke N: It’s unbelievable how fast the time went by. Ten Years – it doesn’t feel that much, that he went for an adventure. An adventure that would be perfect if he had won in 2006 the Championship. So there is still something missing. We as a familie are super proud of him and sometimes cant believe how far he went.

[GermanDunk]

SPOX: Ten years NBA means 10 years of awesome haircuts

Nowitzki: Definately! Was always surprising and some haircuts were pretty spooky.
But as years went by Dirk has become more conservative except for the shaven olympic rings.

SPOX: Have there been no-go´s ?

Nowitzki: Yes, there once was this horn. Dirk got his hair cut by a friend from Würzburg; totally except a little hair-horn on the front. That looked horrible.

Wow, i can translate like crazy

[GermanFan]

SPOX: Gab es No-gos?

Nowitzki: Auf jeden Fall. Da war mal dieses Hörnchen. Dirk hatte sich die Haare von einem Freund aus Würzburg kurz rasieren lassen, aber so ein Haar-Hörnchen über der Stirn blieb übrig. Das sah unglaublich mies aus.

SPOX: Where there NO_GOs

N: FOr sure. There has been ???(hoernchen help ?) . Dirk had his hair shaved by one of his friends in Wuerzburg but over his forehead he left some Hoernchen *G. That was really bad.

[Zaknaf3in]

Haha wow - this is a damned funny interview. Gotta love the Dirkster.

I'll gladly do my part of translating - just starting from the rear end.

[Dim499]

SPOX: His musical talent is supposed to be in a bad way as well.

Silke: There is definitely room for improvement (laughs). Music is important for him, to clear his head from competition and after his NBA career it will probably be of higher significance in his life. But as a professional basketball player he does't have the time to practice his guitar, Saxophone or piano playing.

SPOX: Have you talked to your brother about what he intents to do after his playing days?

SIlke: Personally his big goal is to have children, to get married, start a family. He can imagine that happening in the near future. At the moment he does't quite have the time for it.

SPOX: Is it correct that your protection instinct gets activated when it comes to your brother?

Silke: I definitely have the "big sister syndrome". I's been that way since early childhood. I took care of him and that will probably never change, no matter how many times he goes to the all-star game or whether he's a multimillionaire. Yo're always concerned and careful.

SPOX: Did you move to NEw York in 2000 and work at the NBA to be able to pay closer attention to Dirk?

Silke: Indirectly. We thought that sooner or later I could help Dirk organizationally. But that I ended up living in New York for five years was more coincidental. I originally wanted to do a three months internship at the NBA but they wanted to keep me.

SPOX: Since your return you share management duties of your brother with Nowitzki's mentor Holger Geschwindner. How are the tasks distributed?

Silke: It developed in a way that I take care of press relations and the foundation, Holger more of the contracts and marketing. We are such a small circle though, that we don't really claim one specific area.

SPOX: At the age of 16 Dirk got to know Geschwindner. Has Geschwindner always been a little peculiar/solitary/a loner ?

Silke: Holger is absolutely unique. He is not an easy going guy, but he always has Dirk's best interest in mind.

SPOX: It is unusual that an NBA star doesn't have a real player agent. Why?

Silke: Holger has been taking care of Dirk for almost 15 years, that's why we keep it that way. Dirk knows with us, that we follow the right motives and we back him up fully. Also because the work load is manageable. Unlike some NBA colleagues he is not planning to build a "Nowitzki" brand. He just wants to win a championship and find happiness in his personal life.

SPOX: As a youngster school was definitely not part of that happiness.

Silke:School was never his big love. Dirk was more dedicated to sports and our parents had to look out that he didn't miss out on his homework. In school, unlike on the sports field, Dirk only did that what was absolutely necessary. But in the end and with our help he got the "Abitur" [high-school diploma]. I still remember how one of his coaches on their way home from an away game was helping him study chemistry.

SPOX: When Dirk Nowitzki was 13 years old, his first basketball coach allegedly told him he will be better than Toni Kukoc.

Silke: I remember that well. Back then no one could believe that. I just thought: yeah, yeah, let him talk. That Dirk could become a good player was clear. But nobody had any idea that he could reach these dimensions.

SPOX: In 1998 Dirk Nowitzki got drafted. To convince him of the move to Dallas coach Don Nelson, his son and GM DOnnie Nelson as well as owner Ross Perot Jr. came to Würzburg personally. Was it as surreal as it sounds?

Silke: What I remember most was the car-ride. Dirk was supposed to drive the Nelsons to Bamberg. His car back then though, was a very old, little, white VW Golf with a seized engine that made huge noise. Anyway, the three of them squeezed into the Golf and chugged along to Bamberg. Dirk talked for a long time about how embarrassed he was.

[Zaknaf3in]

SPOX:
2000 Mark Cuban bought the Mavericks. He and Dirk have a special relationship, although they are so different, visually and by character.

Nowitzki:
This is due to the fact, that Mark is a basketball fan and that he admires Dirk for his talent and his work ethics. On the other hand, Dirk appreciates how much Mark loves the club and his amount of commitment.

SPOX:
One caesure has been the year 2005. Holger Geschwindner came into remand for almost five weeks, being accused of tax evasion.

Nowitzki:
That’s been a shock out of the blue. The officers have made searches at the same time in, amongst others, my, my parent’s and holger’s flat. I will never forger how all at once the officers showed up. Dirk has been with me at that time, and we had to watch powerlessly how shelves rummaged through and how our privacy was infringed. It’s been a very, very awkward feeling.

SPOX:
Few weeks later, there was the EC in Serbia. Probably Dirk Nowitzkis best tournament ever.
How has he been capable to such a feat?

Nowitzki: I would say, that Dirk has always been possible to focus to the point.
He has the exceptional gift of being able to blank out every distracting thought and to enter the tunnel vision.

SPOX:
2006 and 2007 the blocking out hasn’t been that succesful. The rout against Miami in the finals, the first-round-exit against Golden State…

Nowitzki:
I still feel like his highlights have outweighed this, though. Sure, there were setbacks, but therefor, he kept away from severe injuries and has collected quite a few awards, too. Dirk himself has quite a different view on it. Every year without a title is a disappointment for him.

SPOX:
After the K.O. against Golden State he travelled to Las Vegas, to be groomsman at your marriage in the Hofbrauhaus (me: Bavarian style location, german beer etc. – Oktoberfest anyone?). His dress is conveyed as a grey suit with a pink shirt…

Nowitzki:
I’m remembering the pink shirt. At a late hour and in this dress, he and Steve Nash gripped their guitars and played a serenade with the Hofbrauhaus-Band. But the pink shirts are history now. Meanwhile, the NBA has established a dresscode and Dirk has altered his dresses.


Edit: Someone should merge this all together in the end.

[Sportstudi]

Originally Posted by Underdog

I thought it was hilarious too...

(but only because German words look funny to me since I can't read them - anyone care to translate?)

Sorry, I was quite busy, thus I just read through it quickly. I would have translated it now, but I see that other German fans have already done the work. Well, you can definitely count on me next time!

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by Sportstudi

Sorry, I was quite busy, thus I just read through it quickly. I would have translated it now, but I see that other German fans have already done the work. Well, you can definitely count on me next time!

That was a pretty nice group effort by the Germans of this board - I'll have to spread some rep around once my 24-hour cap is lifted...

[GermanFan]

So now everything put together *Grins

Dirk Nowitzki privat: Seit genau zehn Jahren spielt der Superstar der Dallas Mavericks in der NBA. Zum zehnten Jubiläum spricht Silke Nowitzki (34), als Schwester und Managerin eine der wichtigsten Bezugspersonen, über Frisur-Katastrophen, eine Spritztour mit den Nelsons - und eine legendäre Nacht in Las Vegas.

DN private: Dirk Nowitzki is playing 10 years for the Mavs nor. Because of his 10th anniversary we talked to Silke Nowitzki (34) his sister and manager and so a important reference, they talked about hair, a tour with the Nelsons and a legendary night in Vegas.

Spox : Dirk celebrates this season his 10th NBA anniversary, what comes to mind?

Silke N: It’s unbelievable how fast the time went by. Ten Years – it doesn’t feel that much, that he went for an adventure. An adventure that would be perfect if he had won in 2006 the Championship. So there is still something missing. We as a familie are super proud of him and sometimes cant believe how far he went.

SPOX: Ten years NBA means 10 years of awesome haircuts

Nowitzki: Definately! Was always surprising and some haircuts were pretty spooky.
But as years went by Dirk has become more conservative except for the shaven olympic rings.

SPOX: Have there been no-go´s ?

Nowitzki: Yes, there once was this horn. Dirk got his hair cut by a friend from Würzburg; totally except a little hair-horn on the front. That looked horrible.

SPOX: Gab es No-gos?

Nowitzki: Auf jeden Fall. Da war mal dieses Hoernchen. Dirk hatte sich die Haare von einem Freund aus Würzburg kurz rasieren lassen, aber so ein Haar-Hörnchen über der Stirn blieb übrig. Das sah unglaublich mies aus.

SPOX: Where there NO_GOs

N: FOr sure. There has been these spikes (thx) . Dirk had his hair shaved by one of his friends in Wuerzburg but over his forehead he left some spikes *G. That was really bad.

SPOX: His musical talent is supposed to be in a bad way as well.

Silke: There is definitely room for improvement (laughs). Music is important for him, to clear his head from competition and after his NBA career it will probably be of higher significance in his life. But as a professional basketball player he does't have the time to practice his guitar, Saxophone or piano playing.

SPOX: Have you talked to your brother about what he intents to do after his playing days?

SIlke: Personally his big goal is to have children, to get married, start a family. He can imagine that happening in the near future. At the moment he does't quite have the time for it.

SPOX: Is it correct that your protection instinct gets activated when it comes to your brother?

Silke: I definitely have the "big sister syndrome". I's been that way since early childhood. I took care of him and that will probably never change, no matter how many times he goes to the all-star game or whether he's a multimillionaire. Yo're always concerned and careful.

SPOX: Did you move to NEw York in 2000 and work at the NBA to be able to pay closer attention to Dirk?

Silke: Indirectly. We thought that sooner or later I could help Dirk organizationally. But that I ended up living in New York for five years was more coincidental. I originally wanted to do a three months internship at the NBA but they wanted to keep me.

SPOX: Since your return you share management duties of your brother with Nowitzki's mentor Holger Geschwindner. How are the tasks distributed?

Silke: It developed in a way that I take care of press relations and the foundation, Holger more of the contracts and marketing. We are such a small circle though, that we don't really claim one specific area.

SPOX: At the age of 16 Dirk got to know Geschwindner. Has Geschwindner always been a little peculiar/solitary/a loner ?

Silke: Holger is absolutely unique. He is not an easy going guy, but he always has Dirk's best interest in mind.

SPOX: It is unusual that an NBA star doesn't have a real player agent. Why?

Silke: Holger has been taking care of Dirk for almost 15 years, that's why we keep it that way. Dirk knows with us, that we follow the right motives and we back him up fully. Also because the work load is manageable. Unlike some NBA colleagues he is not planning to build a "Nowitzki" brand. He just wants to win a championship and find happiness in his personal life.

SPOX: As a youngster school was definitely not part of that happiness.

Silke:School was never his big love. Dirk was more dedicated to sports and our parents had to look out that he didn't miss out on his homework. In school, unlike on the sports field, Dirk only did that what was absolutely necessary. But in the end and with our help he got the "Abitur" [high-school diploma]. I still remember how one of his coaches on their way home from an away game was helping him study chemistry.

SPOX: When Dirk Nowitzki was 13 years old, his first basketball coach allegedly told him he will be better than Toni Kukoc.

Silke: I remember that well. Back then no one could believe that. I just thought: yeah, yeah, let him talk. That Dirk could become a good player was clear. But nobody had any idea that he could reach these dimensions.

SPOX: In 1998 Dirk Nowitzki got drafted. To convince him of the move to Dallas coach Don Nelson, his son and GM DOnnie Nelson as well as owner Ross Perot Jr. came to Würzburg personally. Was it as surreal as it sounds?

Silke: What I remember most was the car-ride. Dirk was supposed to drive the Nelsons to Bamberg. His car back then though, was a very old, little, white VW Golf with a seized engine that made huge noise. Anyway, the three of them squeezed into the Golf and chugged along to Bamberg. Dirk talked for a long time about how embarrassed he was.

SPOX: A few months later Dirk moved to Dallas to be a NBA Pro. How hard was the decision?

Nowitzki: Hard. Before we always laughed about it. Every think felled unreal and then one day Dirk was packing his bags. It was the hardest step for him. Moving out from home and then right to a different country. From the beginning Don Nelson trusted him. Because Dallas sucked at the time he had time to get used to it without much pressure.


SPOX:
2000 Mark Cuban bought the Mavericks. He and Dirk have a special relationship, although they are so different, visually and by character.

Nowitzki:
This is due to the fact, that Mark is a basketball fan and that he admires Dirk for his talent and his work ethics. On the other hand, Dirk appreciates how much Mark loves the club and his amount of commitment.

SPOX:
One caesure has been the year 2005. Holger Geschwindner came into remand for almost five weeks, being accused of tax evasion.

Nowitzki:
That’s been a shock out of the blue. The officers have made searches at the same time in, amongst others, my, my parent’s and holger’s flat. I will never forger how all at once the officers showed up. Dirk has been with me at that time, and we had to watch powerlessly how shelves rummaged through and how our privacy was infringed. It’s been a very, very awkward feeling.

SPOX:
Few weeks later, there was the EC in Serbia. Probably Dirk Nowitzkis best tournament ever.
How has he been capable to such a feat?

Nowitzki: I would say, that Dirk has always been possible to focus to the point.
He has the exceptional gift of being able to blank out every distracting thought and to enter the tunnel vision.

SPOX:
2006 and 2007 the blocking out hasn’t been that succesful. The rout against Miami in the finals, the first-round-exit against Golden State…

Nowitzki:
I still feel like his highlights have outweighed this, though. Sure, there were setbacks, but therefor, he kept away from severe injuries and has collected quite a few awards, too. Dirk himself has quite a different view on it. Every year without a title is a disappointment for him.

SPOX:
After the K.O. against Golden State he travelled to Las Vegas, to be groomsman at your marriage in the Hofbrauhaus (me: Bavarian style location, german beer etc. – Oktoberfest anyone?). His dress is conveyed as a grey suit with a pink shirt…

Nowitzki:
I’m remembering the pink shirt. At a late hour and in this dress, he and Steve Nash gripped their guitars and played a serenade with the Hofbrauhaus-Band. But the pink shirts are history now. Meanwhile, the NBA has established a dresscode and Dirk has altered his dresses.

[Sportstudi]

Good one! I should study faster, just to have more time to do necessary translations on the Mavs-Board

[Zaknaf3in]

Pretty cool that he and Steve still have a relationship that close.

[dissentkid]

hörnchen = spike... according to silkes description i had to think of an unicorn

[GermanFan]

Originally Posted by dissentkid

hörnchen = spike... according to silkes description i had to think of an unicorn

lol a hoernchen is not a unicorn i think more in the direction of a Eichhoernchen that would be totaly from but i can at least translate that *G

[dissentkid]

Originally Posted by Zaknaf3in

Pretty cool that he and Steve still have a relationship that close.

...how much i would give to see those two amazing personalities play in one team again

[dissentkid]

Originally Posted by GermanFan

lol a hoernchen is not a unicorn i think more in the direction of a Eichhoernchen that would be totaly from but i can at least translate that *G

aw come on! lol! dirk "the hörnchen" nowitzki?? you can create your own franchise with that!

j/k

but that vision of big dirk driving that crappy car and the two nellies sitting in the backseat really made my day!

[GermanDunk]

Originally Posted by Underdog

That was a pretty nice group effort by the Germans of this board - I'll have to spread some rep around once my 24-hour cap is lifted...

Thx for your kind words, uberdog. Dirk and the Donnies in a Volkswagen Golf sounds bucking hilarious. Maybe someone can make an adaption of this

[GermanDunk]

Originally Posted by GermanFan

lol a hoernchen is not a unicorn i think more in the direction of a Eichhoernchen that would be totaly from but i can at least translate that *G

i´m glad no one out there translated Hoernchen with hornet

[Sportstudi]

Originally Posted by GermanDunk

i´m glad no one out there translated Hoernchen with hornet

LOL! Maybe you got the same "horn" on while translating
Just kidding