Dirk Nowitzki: soft, choker… Hall of Famer
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- Опубликовано: 25 июн 2024
- Dirk Nowitzki will go down as one of the greatest players in the history of the NBA - not just the best international hoopers but the greatest period. His long list of accomplishments ranging from NBA champion and MVP to ending in a Hall of Fame career more than backs up that claim. Besides being the most celebrated Dallas Maverick in franchise history, the seven-foot sweet jump-shooting gentle giant from Germany has a strong case for one of the most unguardable shots ever with a killer fadeaway that often broke the spirit of opposing teams. That’s the Dirk we’ve come to know and love. But that wasn’t always how we saw him.
Before entering the NBA, Dirk was a mysterious foreign player who didn’t look cut out for the league when he arrived. A guy who’s too soft to amount to anything. A weak leader. A dude who folded like a wet napkin in crucial spots. Let’s meet those versions of Dirk Nowitzki in the Prism.
Written and produced by Joe Ali
Directed by Charlotte Atkinson
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“dude you aren’t going to the army. you’re 7 feet tall. what are you gonna hide behind?” -Charles Barkley
Said it once before but I think it bears repeating.
He sparred with Yao and beat Tim Duncan in his prime.
He beat Kobe, the Thunder’s Big Three, and the Heatles.
The man was a headhunter.
And added to what what he went through in the video makes his championship all the sweeter.
It’s not fair, poor 26 year-old Lebron had no help against a boomer Mavs superteam led by 40 year olds, 4 foot tall JJ Barea, and another short dude who liked to act like a plane.. Technically the 2011 finals results doesn’t count and Lebron won!
And the last version of a really good Brandon Roy who shouldn't be dismissed
@@easyveazeyng B Roy and prime Lamarcus Aldridge mind you
He basically was batman when in arkham asylum when all the villains got out
@@ChiTownOriginator LMA was still growing into a great player and had just made his first all NBA team, BRoy was already a 3x All Star and 2x All NBA. We were really robbed of someone that could've been one of the best of the decade
Fav moment: Dirk retreating to the locker room in tears after the Mavs won the whole thing in 2011.
my fav was drunken dirk singing we are the champions (terribly off key) at the parade
Its ironic that dirk has went to the finals and lost and redeemed himself and in his last season he passes the torch to someone that played in the euro league and has now lost in the finals and is wanting to redeem himself ....time will tell if the story rewrites itself ❤️ all mavericks fans hope so
It's also ironic that the media proclaimed "coach killer" Jason Kidd is coaching this torchbearer who got his last coach fired lmao
@@penaltyflag366
What exactly are you getting at here
Like serious actual question what are you even pointing out?
@@redbull63 Just yappin lmao but it's fun to think about if there was a script mavericks definitely have the most underrated one
luka ain't him keep dreaming my dude
@@jinntakkLuka is 25 n is getting ready to hit his prime I’ll let that sit with u
Nowitzki is the ultimate Prism episode. Crazy to have witnessed the whole rollercoaster. One of the greats.
Dirk was never soft. He was finesse. There's a difference. It's disrespectful to call any athlete soft. You don't get to this level to be Dirk level good especially if you're soft
Naw he was soft he just grew his game to fit.
I think soft in the context of basketball and soft physically in general are two different things
And you absolutely cannot say Dirk was soft, but you can say he was soft in basketball terms
Opposing scouts said he was soft. Opposing coaches did. Opposing GMs did. Opposing players did. Scores -- or rather, hundreds -- of people who know more about the game than any of us ever will called him soft.
That means the man was soft. Until he wasn't.
He absolutely was soft. He flopped too like a lot of Euro players coming over did. Ironic American born players do it all the time now and take it even further than even flop god Vlade Divac did.
Harden isn’t a choker, he’s just a finesse player who doesn’t get benefits of a whistle in the playoffs that he gets in the regular season.
See how that works? Two things can be true at the same time
You should've added footage of the Inside the NBA post game show after Denver eliminated Dallas, the panel basically just went all in and called Dirk a loser and said he never would have it. It was brutal
He had a run for the ages in 2011. It was painful as a Laker fan to be on the end of it.
But Dirk overcame Roy, Kobe, Harden, Durant, Westbrook, Bosh, Wade, and Lebron. He slayed 4 mvps. Truly the greatest European NBA player.
I’d also guess thats at least six future HOF players
It's basketball hall of fame which is one the easiest to get in. Hell, I never played organized basketball and I might be in the HOF😂@@aceassn716
Brandon Roy was special, man.
And Gasol
Swept, defending champion Kobe btw
That ring is def the most valuable ring to any player’s legacy ever
That 2011 Finals really saved Dirks legacy cause before that he would’ve just been another good player who could never get it done
As a Spurs fan I hated Dirk as a kid, but the older I get the more I respect his game… that fadeaway from the top of the post was money
As a mavs fan, i hated Tim Duncan as a kid. But as I got older I grew to massively respect his game. His is mr fundamental for a reason.
The feeling was mutual, lol!! hated Duncan and the Spurs for the same reason for him torching us but damn wasn’t he one of the best to ever do it. DIRK MAV GOAT!!!!
Only in TX where rivals are hated to the core, but respect their body of work.
I thought the Spurs were very classy in his lart game in San Antonio they did a video package tribute for him during introductions
I think all thr Texan NBA fans hates the other Texan NBA teams lmao..i hated the rockets and the mavericks..😂😂😂
He led Dallas and beat the "not 1 not 2 not 3" Heat team. That was his redemption and more than made up to the Mavs failures in the 2000's.
Also -- LeThird said (in a podcast to Redick in 2024) that it wasn't a superteam and that they didn't have enough. HOWEVER, they were up 2-1 in the Finals with a 4th quarter lead...before they (he) flamed out.
Have always had massive respect for Dirk, even as a Spurs fan. Changed the landscape of the league forever 🇩🇪
He's why the foreign stretch big exists now
@@jctsliceAnd probably why some foreign 2000’s players got taken as high as they did
At any point, during script edits, did anyone mention it wasn't just an NBA title, it was a title won against the most unstoppable villains in the NBA, The not 1 not 2 not 3 Heatles.
That is an integral part of what made him teflon.
Love me some SB, but yall dropped the ball on that highly impactful narrative.
Should have mentioned that was LeBron's first year in Miami, following "The Decision". He made going to the Heat such a big deal with the rest of the "Big Three". And it wasn't just talk; they went 12-3 in the Eastern conference playoffs on their way to the finals. They just looked like some unstoppable juggernaut. And then Dirk happened
@@calvin7330eh. It was mainly because of how weak the East was (outside of Indiana)
forget about MJ, Lebron, Curry, Kobe, Bird or even Magic - Dirk's championship run is one, if not, the best playoff run of all time.
It's right up there with the 1995 Rockets.
Rockets were juggernauts since Jordan left. Be serious@@budwyzer77
@@budwyzer77Only his best teammate wasn’t as good as Clyde Drexler; correct me if I’m wrong.
@@fortynights1513 But he also had Jason Kidd, Shawn Marion, JJ Barea, Jason Terry, Tyson Chandler... depth is usually better than raw star power.
@@JBoss44Juggernauts? Otis Thorpe as Hakeem's #2 in 94 and an aging over the hill Clyde Drexler in 95 makes the Rockets juggernauts? I don't think so.
I'm from the Dallas/Ft Worth area and man Dirk is so beloved here! I was so happy for him in 2011! 🏀🏆
Dirk is the greatest shooting big of his generation imo and he is top five power forward all time arguably
I love Dirks ring and that historic run to that chip against the Heat aka revenge after his finals loss to D Wade
Tim
Malone
Dirk
KG
Barkley
Being from Dallas, that 2011 run was magical. Loyalty never fades!
If Dirk's 2011 title run did not happened, I'm not sure if he will still be talked about in conversation of the greatest players ever because he couldn't able to do it and be labelled as a choker. I'm glad he did won that title even though it hurts me at that time because I was rooting for the Heat.
Only thing soft about him was his words.
He was a beast through and through.
I don't think any single NBA player has had such a storybook ending like Dirk.
We've had so many heroes where they couldn't get over the hump of winning the chip, Nash, CP3, Harden. But for Dirk it felt like he made it there. And yeah he didn't do it all on his own, but the dude was pushing the Mavs through in 2011 through sheer force of will. Even if he's not statistically a goat, his career is unmatched in narrative.
I wouldn't really consider Harden or CP3 heroes lol
Dirk was the perfect subject for a Prism video. I wonder if Clayton Kershaw will get one at some point.
He’s the one who got me into basketball. He’ll forever be my favorite player of all time. I miss seeing him on the court! 🥲 #MFFL #Forever41
I watched his entire career. Simply an all time great player.
I love how it was the 2006 finals that he got blamed for when in his minutes they outscored the heat.
And zero mention of all the FTs Wade got in games 5 and 6, 46 in total. It's still one of the great controversies in NBA Finals history.
That's usually how it goes for championship Ls
Any Dirk slander in the comments will not be tolerated
A̶n̶y̶ ̶D̶i̶r̶k̶ ̶s̶l̶a̶n̶d̶e̶r̶ "Any opinions about Dirk that don't align with mine in the comments will not be tolerated."
Fixed it for you.
@@EssAhrBeeeither way is correct.
@@chrisofchris Nah. Y'all call any opinions that differ from yours "slander". That's childish, Chris. Grow up. **Mute**
@@EssAhrBee well, you childishly muted this, so I’m guessing you won’t see, but you’re still wrong. No Dirk slander will be tolerated in the comments 😂
If Dirk didn't win in 2011 he'd be remembered as a soft choker who never could get it done is that slander? 2011 singlehandedly saved his legacy.
Let this video’s title be your reminder why commas are important.
I literally laughed out loud.
Here's your crown, king ----> 👑
Love ya Dirk! Thanks for my fade away!🖤💛🏀🤟✌️
Dirk "The King of Fades" Nowitzki
Dirks 2011 Championship Run is one, if not the greatest run in NBA history possibly with The Hakeem's 95.
If he hadn't been an absolute stud in leading his team to the title in 2011, the "choker" label might've been valid but you can't say that about him with the way he came through, not to mention the powerhouse teams in the West he had to always go against throughout his career.
"Dirk continued his all-star caliber play over the next few years, but as the hits kept coming in the form of first round exits, Dirk seemed doomed to a legacy labeled as a great player, but a failure when it mattered most."
Reminds me of a certain #4 on the other side of Dallas.
DN / DP
dirk's ring is worth more than 10 chased rings like kd's
As a Mavs fan who lives in Houston, the amount of Dirk disrespect ive seen is alarming. So glad Dirk has 2011. And D Wade can still go to hell
as a Rockets fan that lives in Dallas, I agree.
It was pretty unfair the kind of hate Dirk got for 5 years after '06, considering he was always one of the most humble players, and not the arrogant chest-pounder that people like to see fail. Most of it was likely the media hyping him up, not himself, especially after '03 when the Mavs likely would've won the title had he not been hurt against the Spurs. There's a perceived level of greatness, measured in Rings, and everyone is angry if you don't reach it. One championship was enough for most people to suddenly like him, perhaps because of the competition and past failures, but it's interesting where people draw the line for a "satisfactory career" for each player. Is 1 ring enough for Giannis or Jokic?
Dirk is a legend and one of the best players ever
When he was making that layup over the entire big 3 in game 2, I knew it was over. I also knew LeBron's final form was first imagined that day, too.
That championship run is the best I’ve seen since the Rockets 94-95 title. Dirk was certified by that one.
Life long mavs fan. I remember when Dirk first checked into a game. Dirk was never soft. That was the main stream media pushing that. Once he got accustomed to the NBA he took off.
I actually ran into Dirk in summer of 2010 in DFW airport. We talked about the world cup and he took a picture with me and my friend Nafalya which after I regretted because no one went up to him until after us.
can't really blame dirk for that first finals loss... wade literally played like prime jordan that series
he had a redemption for the ages though by playing like a basketball god on that 2011 run
Awesome! May I suggest an episode on Curt Flood, next? He was one of the most consequential players in the history of baseball and yet the sport has largely forgot about him.
Forget baseball, one of the most consequential players in the history of North American sport!
One of my favorite players, glad he has been covered.
Just imagine in the 2000s west only 3 teams came out of the west Lakers, spurs and the mavs
LA got Kobe
SA got Duncan
Dallas got dirk
This is how great he was
Im a suns fan, but I got a Dirk jersey from the mid 2000s. He always tormented Phoenix and the two teams had some incredible battles. He was an amazing player and I am glad he got his ‘chip
Dirks triple threat was one of the best ever, probably only behind Hakeem. He may be the best big man shooter ever, but he was no slouch Face-Up.
Dirk’s ring is the most valuable ring of the 2010’s
We need a Prism episode on Steph Curry. From being labeled not a great prospect to being called an overrated star player to being called over the hill to being recognized as one of the faces of the history of basketball.
Too soon
Clayton Crowley made it big enough that channels as big and great as Secret Base are following his video leads
ME AND ALL MY HOMIES LOVE DIRK!!!!!!!!!
The 2011 Mavs championship has more significance than the 2 KD Warriors championships
I don't usually feel sentimental about sports stuff but every time I watch a video about Dirk or see some of his highlights I get kind of emotional. I don't think I would trade Dirk's history with the Mavs for several more rings. Even though the Mavericks share a city with one of the most famous sports teams on the entire planet, Dirk still is and always will be Mr. Dallas.
Honey wake up, another prism just dropped
Dirk for me is a role model. You can achieve whatever you want without lost your essence. A pleasure saw him play
An absolute legend. Thanks for all you’ve meant to and done for the game Dirk.
That dude, Dirk!
The dirk vs dwade shaq finals was my first nba finals i watched and actually tried to understand the game.
As a canadian kid in the early 2000s basketball was never put in my face really. I immediately bought the games, tuned into sportscenter for updates and to learn more. Truly my first and favorite basketball memory for me.
Another BANGER by secret base
Rewinder: 2006 Orange Bowl 3OTs
Beef History: Lindros vs Flyers Organization
Overlap: Greatest College Football Coach (Saban) and the Greatest NFL Coach (Belichick) coaching in the same division
Beef History: Michael Jordan and Isiah Thomas
Beef History: Phil Jackson and Pat Riley
Untitled: Reggie Miller
Untitled: Ken Griffey Jr.
Untitled: Carl Yastrzemski
Untitled: Ted Williams
Untitled: Jim Kelly
Collapse: Early 90s Bills
Collapse: 2001 Sixers
Rewinder: 2012 Olympic 100m Men’s Final
Rewinder: The Catch By Willie
Rewinder: Wide Right I, Wide Right II
Rewinder: Hank Aaron and Barry Bonds breaking the respective HR record(s)
Untitled: Don Nelson
This is the best redemption arc in the NBA and one of the best playoff runs ive ever seen
The Mavericks 2011 championship run probably was the most important run to cement a players legacy and Dirk the occasion
love this channel so much.
I love this series so much
Favorite player of all time.
Dirk is easily one of my favorites, that I wish I got to see him play when I was starting to be able to afford to go to 1 or 2 NBA games in real life
Love the video…but still not even the best Dirk legacy assessment video released this month lol any other Clayton Crowley fans here?
My literal first thought lol
**yawn**
Clayton Crowley is a really good narrator and writer
One of my all time favorite players. Absolute legend
Great video about Dirk 👍
Im from dallas and watch his hole career. Hes my favorite player all time.
This was posted 41 minutes ago when I clicked it , cool coincidence 🤯
The script was kinda weak, imo. The gauntlet they went through to win a championship was extremely difficult. Also Mavs front office didn't get enough hate. They made Dirk's life much more difficult than it should've.
As a lifelong Kings fan, I will forever be grateful for Dirk helping Peja get his ring. I absolutely couldn’t stand him, until that point. Now it’s all respect lol
Sports media's idea of weakness will never not be stupid
Steve Nash with frosted tips is such a cursed image.
Wade telling Dirk of when everybody saw how they got that chip.
I remember after his rookie season a writer for Sports Illustrated in a little blurb near the front of the issue took a dump on him and how he played. A year later? In the same style blurb, the same writer praised him. I wish I still had those issues, but those blurbs are burned in my head forever.
My childhood hero
Dirk’s ring stands almost alone in quality. He drug that team to a title.
German Jesus was just a whole another level , despite considering him a choker , a soft player .
He was just a complete version in 2010-11 , with a beautiful Cinderella story run on winning the NBA Championship.
Appreciate making this Prism Player Profiles.
One of my fav players growing up in the 2000s. He was the first Unicorn, a 7 footer who can score at all 3 levels... before KD, young Porzingis or Wemby
I think every prism episode should be about the early 90' Bills teams. 4 straight trips and no chip.
Dirk was a 59 overall in the OG NBA2k (or 2k1 not sure)
I've always remembered that, because, even then, it seemed shockingly low.
Dirk was ahead of his time and because of it, he got labeled as “soft”. As a Mav fan, that 2011 run was special and exorcised the 2006 demons…but I was just happy that Dirk finally got the respect he deserved. Stayed down, never complained and made the organization what it is today 🫡
"...never complained..."? Buddy... you have Google. Use it. Dirk is an absolute legend and there's no need bolster his legacy with hyperbole, lying, or lazy ignorance.
@@EssAhrBee he didnt lol I’m not using hyperbole, and I don’t have to google it. I’m old enough to remember because I actually lived it lol. What? Say that he need help? Any actual Mavs fan knew he did. Was he like the complainers and whiners of today’s NBA? Ever force a trade? Complain about management to the media? Nope. So what is your definition of “complaining” “buddy”?
@@avantesmith6442 Therein lies the problem with you "fans". You'd rather dwell in your ignorance than learn the truth about your heroes. And you wonder why your franchises never take you seriously. 🤣😂 **Mute**
@@EssAhrBee plus “never complained” is hyperbole? Lying? Lazy ignorance? None of that “bolsters” his legacy lmao. He’s literally accepted as some one who stayed down with the same team and it paid off. That was LITERALLY the whole point of the hype surrounding him winning that ring: the loyal superstar beat the team with a dude who ran from Cleveland. Listen here: I know you youngins these days do this fake intellectual act, where you “own” people and throw around buzz phrases like “lazy ignorance” to look cool. But I’m literally from Dallas and remember the media coverage surrounding him: they called him soft, they thought he wasn’t a leader, but he never bitched and moan. He wasn’t passive aggressive or spoke ill on moves: even when he knew they sucked. So, like I said: he never complained. Sorry it was so triggering 😂
Legend
That comma is doing gods work.
This video feels short. I wish these were longer and took more time going through his playoff stuff (like in 2003) before 2006/7
Dirk Nowitszki is my favorite basketball player name
HARD TO ADMIT BUT THIS TITLE REMINDS ME OF CLAYTON KERSHAW
Yeah, but Kershaw hasn't won a championship. 2020 doesn't count.
@@henrywallacesghost5883as a Seattle fan, 2020 counts
Vamos
Glad this was made. Dirk really silenced his haters.
What made them "haters", Chris?
New Prism Heck Yeah.
Every 11s is a hype year no matter hope everyone is here for 2099 finals 🙏🙌
In his championship run he beat back to back Kobe's Lakers, Durant and Westbrook's thunder and Lebron and D Wade's heat
it's the most legendary run in NBA's History
Want much bigger video about his career. Like 30 min rerun about his seasons and achievements.
If you’re going to detail Dirk’s worst games, you should have mentioned his best games during that 2011 run.
Right after Clayton Crowley made a Dirk video? Can't be coincidence right?
I think you should do a rewinder on the Miracle of Istanbul (2005 Champions League Final) where Liverpool came back to beat AC Milan against every single odd. It's a really cool story about how they basically beat the best team in the world from the death.
Clayton Crowley and Secret base Dirk videos in the same week wow
Dirk is also probably the funniest celeb victim of the show Punk’d. 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂
This should’ve been longer