Open Thread: Determining the face of the Dallas Mavericks

I’m going to start with the premise that Dirk Nowitzki is the face of the Dallas Mavericks.

I will take it a step further and lob an arguable point- Dirk Nowitzki is more essential to the the Dallas Mavericks than Michael Jordan is to the Chicago Bulls.

Two reasons for this line of thinking I will share which are bound to be chewed up- Michael Jordan would have been the biggest star in the NBA for any team. While Dirk would have been a great player no matter where he landed, I would argue his fit in Dallas was part of his greatness.

Second, the Bulls won six titles with Jordan. The Mavs only have one title. Against LeBron James. After James bailed on Cleveland to form a super team. In its first year, the super team failed. At the hands of Dirk Nowitzki. Who spent his entire career with one team. In my opinion, that says something.

A third point which should be irrefutable to Spurs fans — Michael Jordan left Chicago twice. Once for baseball. The second time he ended up with the Washington Wizards. Dirk played for one team. Just like Timmy.

Let’s talk about the face of a franchise.

My favorite game with my daughter was taking her to see Dirk’s final game, which was held at the AT&T Center. The Mavs didn’t make the playoffs in his last season, so the regular season finale was his send off.

Possibly the second best option (and I realize it is a distant second) to having your last game be on your home court among the fans that love you the most, is to be on the court of one of your greatest rivals, whose fans respect you immensely.

Something about a grown superstar athlete crying that hits my heartstrings.

To this day, this was one of my favorite nights with my daughter. Just re-reading the piece brought back so many great memories.

So, Dirk it is.

What’s that you say? I totally missed the real face of the Dallas Mavericks franchise? Well, please enlighten me in the comments and let’s have us a conversation.

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