For years, NBA fans have seen numerous former players become head coaches. In the league today, there are a handful of successful head coaches who began their NBA career on the court. This includes coaches like Jason Kidd, Chauncey Billups, Steve Kerr, and Doc Rivers, among others. The coaching landscape in the NBA is always changing. Many coaches eventually fizzle out of the league, whereas others emerge as time goes on. One thing that seems like it will not change, however, is the absence of a certain Hall of Famer on the sideline. In a recent interview with Cesare Milanti, Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki said he does not plan on becoming a coach anytime in the future.
“I don’t think I see coaching in my future. Things could change very quickly, but I don’t see myself as a team coach. I see more myself as an individual coach. I go to all the big tournaments with FIBA, we have a family office in Dallas. I’m learning new things and new interests. I will stick around basketball, not sure in which capacity,” Nowitzki said.
The 46-year-old retired from the NBA in 2019 and remains one of the greatest players in league history. As Nowitzki mentioned, he “will stick around basketball.” However, it seems that a future coaching gig is not in his future.
Dallas Mavericks Legend Unlikely to Coach in Future
Dirk Nowitzki Praises Former Teammate, Current MVP Candidate
In his interview with Milanti, Nowitzki sang his praises for current Mavericks star Luka Doncic. The two played together for one year during the 2018-19 season. Despite playing with Doncic only as a rookie, Nowitzki said he knew the Slovenian star was destined for greatness in the NBA.
“The transition was pretty smooth for him. I played with him for one year, my last one. We all didn’t know how good he was. He was the MVP of the EuroLeague, but that didn’t mean anything when he came to the NBA. From the first practice, I knew how he felt about the game,” Nowitzki said.
Doncic has played six seasons in the league so far. In that time, he is a five-time All-NBA selection, a five-time All-Star, a one-time scoring champ, and is the reigning Western Conference Finals MVP. Additionally, he took home the Rookie of the Year award in 2019. Last season was easily the best year of his career so far. He finished in the top three of MVP voting for the first time and led his team to the NBA Finals. Nowitzki spoke highly of Doncic and his “wicked basketball IQ.”
“He plays like a 35-year-old: wicked basketball IQ, what he sees on the floor I never saw. He knows how to handle big moments. We talk about basketball often, but I don’t need to mentor him anything. He’s an incredible talent and player. It was fun seeing him transitioning to the NBA. The start of something special, we’ve been witnessing greatness from him.”
The Last Word on Dirk Nowitzki
Nowitzki is one of the greatest NBA players in history. Coaching seems like it is out of the picture for him. However, it is fair to assume that, if he changes his mind, teams will reach out to him in the future.
