Dirk Nowitzki’s Basketball Journey
Dirk Nowitzki, celebrated as one of the all-time greats in the NBA, reflects on his basketball journey that began in Germany, specifically with DJK Würzburg, a club competing in the nation’s second division, below the Bundesliga. It was during this formative period that he first caught the attention of Holger Geschwindner, his dedicated coach. In a lighthearted exchange captured in a video for Amazon Prime, Geschwindner humorously remarked on Nowitzki’s initial lack of technical prowess, eliciting laughter from both men as they reminisced about their shared past.
Career Highlights
Nowitzki’s illustrious career includes being named the league’s Most Valuable Player in 2007, securing a championship title in 2011, and amassing over 31,000 points, ranking him sixth on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. After two decades with the Dallas Mavericks, he wrapped up his playing days in 2019 and took on a role with Amazon Prime to enhance their NBA broadcasts.
Return to Germany
This week, Nowitzki returned to Germany to cover a historic moment in basketball history – the first regular-season NBA game on German soil, featuring the Memphis Grizzlies against the Orlando Magic. Uniquely, this matchup comes after numerous exhibition games, marking a significant step for the NBA’s international outreach. Nowitzki, accompanied by Geschwindner, walked through the streets of Germany, revisiting their early training sessions, where Nowitzki initially grappled with his shooting technique.
Training Philosophy
Geschwindner emphasized the importance of making the basketball a friend and training with precision by focusing on technique, particularly emphasizing the fingertips when shooting. In their stroll down memory lane, Nowitzki shared anecdotes of their humble beginnings, quoting moments spent sleeping on gym mattresses. Geschwindner reminded his protégé that the road to success was foundational work, a sentiment he reinforced by recalling the 1998 Nike Hoop Summit, which significantly altered Nowitzki’s trajectory.
Performing well at that exhibition drew attention from both NBA and college scouts, leading to his selection as the 9th overall pick in the NBA Draft. However, he had a challenging debut season amidst a lockout-impacted shortened schedule. The two reflected on the skepticism and criticism Nowitzki faced during his rookie year, with pundits predicting he would return to Germany shortly.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite the struggles, Geschwindner’s training methodology, which included unconventional drills designed to enhance balance and footwork, aimed to carve out versatility not typically expected from players of Nowitzki’s height. He noted that traditional thinking applied to big men often limited their advancement, as they were expected to focus solely on rebounding. In fact, Geschwindner established the Institute for Applied Nonsense – a playful nod to his artistic training approach that others deemed frivolous, yet ultimately contributed to Nowitzki’s legendary status.
A Lasting Bond
From their first interactions on the courts in Germany to Nowitzki’s final NBA game, Geschwindner has been a steadfast presence, guiding him through every critical moment. The bond they share is evident as Nowitzki acknowledged the unwavering support from Geschwindner, stating,
“Every time I needed you, one phone call and you were here helping me out.”
