Dirk Nowitzki isn't a team cheerleader. He never has been, never will be and has never even pretended to be. So why are fans and media alike waiting for the year veteran to become one? But I think I've become more comfortable over the years saying a little something. As you get older, you learn how to handle situations better, on and off the floor.
I still could be better I guess, but I've evolved. It should be enough that the year-old Nowitzki has guided Dallas to the second-best record in the West. It should be enough that Nowitzki is on track to record his 10th consecutive point, eight-rebound season. It should be enough that the 7-foot, pound power forward sees his job through the prism of his team. But some Mavericks fans, who felt cheated out of a title when the team won regular-season games from as their franchise player was getting paid handsomely to bring them one, want more.
They want a vocal, take-the-reins leader. If we win, I'm fine with whatever I do. That isn't exactly Kobe Bryant demanding the ball in crunch time or Kevin Garnett dressing down a teammate for a boneheaded play. But it is the approach of someone who makes a point of getting some breathing space from the game each summer, as he did on a safari in Botswana last year. As Dallas looks ahead to the second half of the season and ultimately the playoffs, Nowitzki's biggest challenge may start at home.
The Mavs have already lost six times at American Airlines Center, more home defeats than they had in six of the past eight seasons. Plus, their 12 home wins against six losses are one fewer than their road tally We're actually trying to figure that out. What doesn't need figuring out is the Mavs' record when shooting at least 50 percent, and their record when shooting less than 44 percent. And despite their recent lapses, the Mavs rank eighth in defensive field-goal percentage But Dallas' immediate future depends on Nowitzki, and his willingness to develop as a player and a person where Dallas' immediate future lies.
It wasn't something I liked but I've been around the media for 12 years and I understand it was a big story. I didn't want to change and be all by myself. For me, basketball was an escape; I was with my friends in the locker room and they treated me normally, they made me laugh.
