Dirk Nowitzki is remembered today as one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history, a league MVP, and a symbol of loyalty and excellence with the Dallas Mavericks. But even legends have humble—and at times, painful—beginnings.
In a candid reflection, Nowitzki recently admitted that his rookie season in the NBA was anything but glorious. “That was kind of a wasted year,” he said while recounting the difficulties he faced during his debut season with the Dallas Mavericks back in 1998–99.
A Rough Start to a Glorious Career
Coming from Germany as a highly touted international prospect, the 7-foot phenom entered the league with significant hype after being selected 9th overall in the 1998 NBA Draft. However, the transition to the NBA proved to be far more challenging than anticipated. From cultural barriers to the speed and physicality of the game, Nowitzki found himself lost—both on and off the court.
“I had no clue what I was doing,” Nowitzki confessed. “I didn’t know how to handle the speed, the athleticism, the language, the media—it was overwhelming. I felt like I wasn’t helping the team and was just trying to survive every game.”
The Lockout Didn’t Help
Nowitzki’s rookie season was further complicated by the 1998–99 NBA lockout, which shortened the season to just 50 games. With fewer opportunities to adjust, the steep learning curve became even more unforgiving.
“The lockout hurt,” he recalled. “We didn’t have a real training camp. There wasn’t much time to get comfortable with the system or to develop chemistry with teammates. I was thrown into the fire, and I didn’t know how to play my game at this level.”
A “Wasted” Year That Sparked Growth
Though he describes the season as “wasted,” in hindsight, it was an important chapter in Nowitzki’s story. The struggles he endured became fuel for his development. He poured himself into training, often staying after practice to work on his shot, footwork, and strength. With the support of key figures like mentor and assistant coach Holger Geschwindner and then-teammate Steve Nash, Dirk began to blossom.
By his second season, signs of greatness emerged—and over the next two decades, Nowitzki would lead the Mavericks to numerous playoff runs and eventually deliver the franchise’s first and only NBA Championship in 2011.
Legacy Built on Perseverance
Dirk’s rookie season serves as a powerful reminder that even the most iconic careers often begin in struggle. What separates legends from the rest isn’t just talent—but resilience, humility, and the willingness to grow.
“I wouldn’t change it,” Nowitzki now says with a smile. “It taught me a lot about myself. That first year was brutal, but it made everything after that so much more meaningful.”
Today, with his No. 41 jersey hanging in the rafters of the American Airlines Center and a statue standing outside the arena, Dirk’s legacy is secure. And perhaps most inspiring of all is the journey he took—from a lost rookie to a beloved Dallas icon.