Dallas Mavericks superstar Dirk Nowitzki says he doesn’t want the spotlight – NBA Update
Dirk Nowitzki recently revealed to a German publication, that he didn’t feel comfortable at all in the intense spotlight that has been thrust on him ever since the Dallas Mavericks won the NBA World Championship for the first time
in their history.
Nowitzki really is on top of the world at the moment, with the plaudits still coming thick and fast for his epic showing in the NBA Finals. Pitched up against the mighty Miami Heat, he led the Mavericks to victory, over shadowing
the much vaunted Miami Big Three, namely LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Nowitzki was immense throughout the series, especially down the stretch where his performances turned out to be the difference between the two sides.
Nowitzki also had a memorable flu game when he grabbed victory for his team at the death despite playing the whole game with a high fever. For his outstanding contributions, Dirk Nowitzki was presented with the NBA Finals MVP Trophy
by the legendary Bill Russell.
Fans in Dallas, in the NBA and around the world have since started to idolize the 7-foot star as the ultimate underdog champion. Nowitzki’s fairy tale story continued after the Finals. A parade was held in his honour back in his
birthplace of Wurzburg, Germany.
Nowitzki also received what can perhaps described as an ultimate compliment from the “Greatest of them all”, boxing legend Muhammad Ali. Muhammad Ali sent him signed boxing gloves that say “you are the greatest”.
When asked about his new found status as a global icon and hero, Nowitzki said that he really wasn’t comfortable in the situation,
“To be honest, I slowly have the feeling that I’m not cut out for such moments” said Nowitzki.
Nowitzki continued to state how he believed he wasn’t the best when it came to appearances in public and pointed to his nervousness on such occasions,
“I feel ashamed when the entire focus is on me. I think people can see that. In public appearances, I am stiff as a board….”
Afterwards Dirk described the moment when he won the NBA Championship in game 6 at the American Airlines Arena in Miami. Dirk had escaped to the locker room as soon as the game was over and only joined in the on court celebrations
later. Here’s what happened in those moments in between,
“Without even thinking about what I was doing, I ran toward the locker room…. I only know that many of our PR people ran after me. They yelled: “Stay here. You can’t do that. The trophy is going to be presented.” I said: “I don’t
want it.” I got into the shower, pressed my face into a towel and began to cry. Then I heard them yelling again. “Dirk!” I said: “They should give it to someone else.””
Thirteen years of struggle and heartbreaks, embodied in one moment, proved to be a bit too much for the greatest shooter, the league has seen in the last decade.
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