For those thinking he was pushed out of the league. People made up their minds almost immediately after 2011, that Dirk has the type of love for a farewell tour. After Kobe Bryant retired, Dirk Nowitzki said he would not ever announce a farewell tour, but did he secretly want one? Dirk is a very private person that is never wanting to bring attention to himself. In 2018, Dirk broke his foot at the end of arguably his worst season. We are honestly surprised he was even able to return one more season. His body was clearly giving out. Nobody would have wanted him to go out like that. It’s highly likely he came back off the bench for his last season just because he wanted to give the fans something to cheer about and give them a happy ending. Everyone was very disappointed when Tim Duncan announced his retirement before anyone had time to honor him. Because we wanted to give him some cheers and honors. Dirk is always giving back to others, always makes people happy, and he knew he was love-able enough for a farewell tour. He most likely knew he would get one regardless of the situation. Only a handful of NBA legends are loved enough to even get a farewell tour to begin with. Everyone wanted to give Dirk a farewell tour out of love. It’s not just because they wanted him gone. The reason many felt it was time, was because Dirk was too old to play anymore good basketball. Nobody wants to see a legendary athlete play poorly, because its sad for everyone to see, especially for a guy like Dirk. Dirk probably knew all along this season was it, but he just isn’t about bringing attention to himself. Which is how a class athlete should be.
I’m only 14 but Dirk is my favorite player of all time. When I saw his last game on TV, I teared up. I knew it was gonna be sad seein him gone. But luckily we got two good European players to replace Dirk.
It's so fitting for Dirk to leave the way he did. Never wanted the spotlight on himself but every arena gave him a standing ovation anyway even when he hasn't announced anything yet.
9:48 best part of the whole farewell tour. Pop being the legend he is, shouting at his guy guarding Dirk to back off and let him sink the shot. Guy doesn't hear him, Pop is about to throw a fit but the shot goes in anyway and he claps in approval 🤙
Doc & Pop get it. They recognize greatness. And especially Pop. Spurs & Mavs were absolutely THE rivalry of the NBA back when it was Dirk v Duncan. Watching this video....I had almost forgotten how truly great he was. He changed the game like few had done before him. I guarantee you that guys like Steph were growing up thinking, if this 7 footer can hit 3s then I'm gonna do the same. Not to mention all the 3 point shooting big men today. Skip Bayless recent said Joel Embid is the best shooting big man. Nope. Sorry. Dirk may be the last 90 & 90 guy that the NBA sees. 50% from the floor + 40% from 3 (90) and 90% from the stripe. And his shot was a thing of beauty and nearly unblockable. In fact, Kobe stole his move because that 1 legged fadeaway was truly hard to stop.
Kobe and Wade had to announce their retirement before the season that it was their last, so they could get some love and nice video tributes. Dirk didn’t announce his retirement until his last home game as a Mav, yet he still got standing ovations and tributes through the season. He wasn’t looking for the spotlight.
@@ChrisMetz-ip9up most definitely. There hasnt been a player to play this long at this level. Guys like Vince, Dirk, and Kobe were all subpar during their late stages. Lebron in year 21 is putting up MVP caliber numbers, is simply unheard of. He deserves a farewell tour for all the positives he has brought to the league. More People will respect his greatness after he is gone.
@@ChrisMetz-ip9upLebron is a beta male/diva/a lot of feminine qualities. Bron and his PR team will prolly make a tv show about his last season lmaooo. No boost
As a Mavs fan, this warms my heart. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Dirk twice, and the second was after my dad passed away and he gave my mom a genuine hug and was talking to her, genuinely one of the nicest and most humble men I’ve ever seen. It says a lot for one guy to be so beloved by the entire league that the other team’s fans are cheering for you. I’m so happy to have had Dirk play in my city, bring us a championship, and just be a fantastic person.
When I moved to Dallas, I was astonished that the people there were more passionate about and interested in a football team that hadn't made the playoffs in decades, than they were about a man/team that won a championship just a few years earlier.
@@jimmyrodriguez5670 you’re never gonna beat football in Texas and it wasn’t really until Dirk that people cared about the Mavs much. They had some good teams but he really became the face of the franchise and through his hard work and humble attitude that he became what he’s known as. The Cowboys are just the Cowboys. I think you mean Super Bowl also, they’ve made the playoffs plenty of times. I’m a massive Cowboys fan (born and bred Dallas boy from a whole family of Cowboys fans). I can’t say I’ve seen a true championship level team in my conscious life, they won the year after I was born, but it’s just the culture out here and football will always be king in Texas.
the most impressive thing is that he was popular with all fans throughout the NBA! Because he is not only one of the best basketball players of all time, but also because he is an extremely human and sympaticly person!?!
There's no other player like Dirk. How many NBA stars of today do you see where the opposing team, coach, and court cheer for you. You can't help but love this guy till the very end of his career.
doc rivers man..!!! what an awesome guy..... really...!!! grretings from germany to doc and dirk of course....!!! with that gesture doc became a legend even in germany!!!!!
A superstar, a nightmare matchup but loved by the entire league. A guy who does not complain, playing with heart and no drama show. It is heart-melting but also very sad to see your hero bid farewell to the sport you love.
Im half German and grew up in Germany. Ive met Dirk a few times when I was in elementary school. He used to come to the base gym and play with my pops and other folks. I ended up being 6'9 and patterned my entire game after him. Played pro in Germany. He was the GOAT. The fact that the Knicks crowd is cheering for him when he scores while theyre down shows it.
Just like in soccer, it has become so rare to see guys play their entire career with the same team even when they are not contenders. Nowadays all these boys ask for a trade in a superteam as soon as it gets hard cause they can't carry, they have no honor no dignity and won't be remembered. Dirk will always be a legend.
He beat the heat at their full strength. That championship should've counted for 2. The ultimate competitor. That unstoppable one legged step back from the elbow.
I grew up watching Dirk since I was a little kid and loved his game… we were robbed of a chance to get to see him and Luka play a few great years together in Dallas.. I can only imagine.
The fact that Lebron and Wade made fun of him for being sick in the 2011 finals will remain a black stain on their careers that even till this day, they can't live down.
I was at that clippers game. We were all confused when the timeout was called. Once Doc got on the mic we realized what was happening. One of the best moments I’ve ever been part of!!
Loved also the Spurs tear inducing tribute to a rival team/player for Dirk. 100% sure it was all Pop idea but I’m sure the Spurs fans were also appreciative.
There are not many stars in whatever who has such a passion and is that down to earth. hes a star for everyone. not only for the first row. RESPECT I'm from Germany and he's like god here. even basketball ins't that big. since him we got a starting five full of nba players for the first time.
As a fan of Dirk growing up, he really was the one who got me into the sport and inspired me to play in my middle and high school days. Watching him during his last season and even being able to see one of his home games in person during that last season was truly amazing and than seeing him tear up at San Antonio really brought tears to my eyes seeing my idol play the game he loved one more time against a team that always gave him trouble in the playoffs was just a perfect ending to a legendary career of a player with class.
Man, of all of the class acts in recent years who always praised their opponents, was with the same team during the heat of free agency, and was ok with a lesser role as his skills declined, Dirk is among great company in the likes of David Robinson, Tim Duncan, Reggie Miller, John Stockton, Karl Malone, and many others from that era. I especially love the classy tribute that Doc did for him and will always remember it.
Dirk didn't ask for a farewell tour. Everyone gave it to him when it was getting clearer and clearer that it was going to be his final season. He's such a beloved figure in the history of the game.
I used to be apart of a hype squad that would perform at Spurs game and I remember right next to him during one of the playoff games, he had to go to the back to stretch out or something, and I remember thinking, I could be a hero in San Antonio and take this guy out!🤣🤣🤣 that’s how annoyingly good he was and how much he caused problems for SA, but in the end, because our team had it, we recognized greatness, hence the rivalry! I’m glad he got his recognition and his one title, that’s all we’re allowing here! When in Texas, you’re rivals, outside of Texas, your allies!
i just replayed this video since dirk is my all time favorite player... POP WAS MAD WHEN THAT GUY DIDINT BACKOFF TO GIVE DIRK THAT LAST SHOT HAHAHAHA!!!!!
Honestly, I think the best was in San Antonio. It was so unexpected and perfect. Especially when Pop is about to lose it on his own player for guarding Dirk, then applauding when Dirk makes it anyways.
@@jimmyrodriguez5670 You got a point. But for me, nothing beats home crowd. That ceremony after the game was special with all of Dirk's favorites players showing up.
I got choked up watching this (yea im a lil soft) just seeing that im not the only one who has this much love for German Jesus. He is the reason i fell in love with basketball and still love it the way i do now. 21 great years through the ups & the downs he made being a MFFL easier. 4 years later, its still a huge thank you to MY GOAT Dirk💪🏾💪🏾💜🙏🏾
first 20 season pop “never leave dirk alone, defend him to death! such an nightmare match up to deal with him” last season pop “leave dirk the hell alone, let him shoot!”
The San Antonio game hit hard. After all of those tough playoff battles it was emotional seeing those SA fans give Dirk that kind of ovation. Respect.
True
3-4 years later steph’s farewell game in cleveland is gonna be interesting
@@boboe1365they’re gonna cheer the fuck out of steph lmao, he gave them so much entertainment for 4 years straight even tho he beat them 3/4 times
For those thinking he was pushed out of the league. People made up their minds almost immediately after 2011, that Dirk has the type of love for a farewell tour. After Kobe Bryant retired, Dirk Nowitzki said he would not ever announce a farewell tour, but did he secretly want one? Dirk is a very private person that is never wanting to bring attention to himself. In 2018, Dirk broke his foot at the end of arguably his worst season. We are honestly surprised he was even able to return one more season. His body was clearly giving out. Nobody would have wanted him to go out like that. It’s highly likely he came back off the bench for his last season just because he wanted to give the fans something to cheer about and give them a happy ending. Everyone was very disappointed when Tim Duncan announced his retirement before anyone had time to honor him. Because we wanted to give him some cheers and honors. Dirk is always giving back to others, always makes people happy, and he knew he was love-able enough for a farewell tour. He most likely knew he would get one regardless of the situation. Only a handful of NBA legends are loved enough to even get a farewell tour to begin with. Everyone wanted to give Dirk a farewell tour out of love. It’s not just because they wanted him gone. The reason many felt it was time, was because Dirk was too old to play anymore good basketball. Nobody wants to see a legendary athlete play poorly, because its sad for everyone to see, especially for a guy like Dirk. Dirk probably knew all along this season was it, but he just isn’t about bringing attention to himself. Which is how a class athlete should be.
Jake Bellinger well said.
I’m only 14 but Dirk is my favorite player of all time. When I saw his last game on TV, I teared up. I knew it was gonna be sad seein him gone. But luckily we got two good European players to replace Dirk.
@@dylwilsports3118 I don't think anybody could replace Dirk in my mind, he's also my fav :)
🐐
I remembered watching him try his best to shuffle his feet on defense and he just couldn't do it. Dude was damn near glued to the court 😂
It's so fitting for Dirk to leave the way he did. Never wanted the spotlight on himself but every arena gave him a standing ovation anyway even when he hasn't announced anything yet.
Especially in Brooklyn.. man do they love there basketball
9:48 best part of the whole farewell tour. Pop being the legend he is, shouting at his guy guarding Dirk to back off and let him sink the shot. Guy doesn't hear him, Pop is about to throw a fit but the shot goes in anyway and he claps in approval 🤙
what a great detail - thanks
Thanks for pointing out
Doc & Pop get it. They recognize greatness. And especially Pop. Spurs & Mavs were absolutely THE rivalry of the NBA back when it was Dirk v Duncan.
Watching this video....I had almost forgotten how truly great he was. He changed the game like few had done before him. I guarantee you that guys like Steph were growing up thinking, if this 7 footer can hit 3s then I'm gonna do the same. Not to mention all the 3 point shooting big men today.
Skip Bayless recent said Joel Embid is the best shooting big man. Nope. Sorry. Dirk may be the last 90 & 90 guy that the NBA sees. 50% from the floor + 40% from 3 (90) and 90% from the stripe. And his shot was a thing of beauty and nearly unblockable. In fact, Kobe stole his move because that 1 legged fadeaway was truly hard to stop.
It was touching seeing Doc Rivers show the utmost respect to Dirk. Dirk's a classy champion that I always loved watching.
The Mavs and the Spurs were like brother vs brother fights all those years but still love by each other at the end
At any era has there been more home teams cheering for an opposing player when they score? Dirk is a legend.
Never, it makes me so proud to be a german when i see him play and all the love he gets by the american friends!
Kobe bryant on his farewell tour
Kobe... both Kobe and Dirk are my idols ♥️ I would choose Dirk as my PF anytime.
C’mon man look at Kobe’s away games in ATL in phily in New York .
Kobe and Wade had to announce their retirement before the season that it was their last, so they could get some love and nice video tributes. Dirk didn’t announce his retirement until his last home game as a Mav, yet he still got standing ovations and tributes through the season. He wasn’t looking for the spotlight.
Kobe announced his retirement during the early parts of the 2015-2016 season.
When LeBron does retire do you think they’ll give him a farewell tour
@@ChrisMetz-ip9up most definitely. There hasnt been a player to play this long at this level. Guys like Vince, Dirk, and Kobe were all subpar during their late stages. Lebron in year 21 is putting up MVP caliber numbers, is simply unheard of. He deserves a farewell tour for all the positives he has brought to the league. More People will respect his greatness after he is gone.
@@ChrisMetz-ip9upLebron is a beta male/diva/a lot of feminine qualities. Bron and his PR team will prolly make a tv show about his last season lmaooo. No boost
@@ChrisMetz-ip9updude when lebron retires he will have an hour long special on ESPN to announce that he’s playing 1 more season
the Boston crowd wanted him to hit those shots so bad lol
If he would have hit just one, he would have become the all-time leader in points scored by an opponent.
As a Mavs fan, this warms my heart. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Dirk twice, and the second was after my dad passed away and he gave my mom a genuine hug and was talking to her, genuinely one of the nicest and most humble men I’ve ever seen. It says a lot for one guy to be so beloved by the entire league that the other team’s fans are cheering for you. I’m so happy to have had Dirk play in my city, bring us a championship, and just be a fantastic person.
When I moved to Dallas, I was astonished that the people there were more passionate about and interested in a football team that hadn't made the playoffs in decades, than they were about a man/team that won a championship just a few years earlier.
@@jimmyrodriguez5670 you’re never gonna beat football in Texas and it wasn’t really until Dirk that people cared about the Mavs much. They had some good teams but he really became the face of the franchise and through his hard work and humble attitude that he became what he’s known as. The Cowboys are just the Cowboys. I think you mean Super Bowl also, they’ve made the playoffs plenty of times. I’m a massive Cowboys fan (born and bred Dallas boy from a whole family of Cowboys fans). I can’t say I’ve seen a true championship level team in my conscious life, they won the year after I was born, but it’s just the culture out here and football will always be king in Texas.
the most impressive thing is that he was popular with all fans throughout the NBA!
Because he is not only one of the best basketball players of all time, but also because he is an extremely human and sympaticly person!?!
i am missing him so much- i could cry each game i am looking !!!
The way he started running towards the end of this career you can tell his body was in pain but he still went through with it
Such a unique and beautiful career.. Dirk is who young ballers should look up to.
The "we want Dirk" chants and cheers got me emotional.
San Antonio is such a classy organisation. So happy for Dirk beeing recognized all across the league 🙏
There's no other player like Dirk. How many NBA stars of today do you see where the opposing team, coach, and court cheer for you. You can't help but love this guy till the very end of his career.
7:47 doc giving dirk his flowers and SA showing love after all the battles damn this one made me happy in that special way #41forever 🥺
This is amazing this should have way more views. Even though we got Luka now. Miss my boy Dirk. Hope retirement is treating him well.
doc rivers man..!!! what an awesome guy..... really...!!! grretings from germany to doc and dirk of course....!!! with that gesture doc became a legend even in germany!!!!!
A superstar, a nightmare matchup but loved by the entire league. A guy who does not complain, playing with heart and no drama show. It is heart-melting but also very sad to see your hero bid farewell to the sport you love.
He has all the german "Tugenden" virtues - hard working, loyal, efficent, humble.
The San Antonio footage gets me every time.
God damn did he have a beautiful shot. Even in his 21st season looking effortless and smooth like butter.
die ganze NBA hat ihn geliebt...spieler wie die fans...sowas habe ich noch nie erlebt...dirk,du legende
Im half German and grew up in Germany. Ive met Dirk a few times when I was in elementary school. He used to come to the base gym and play with my pops and other folks. I ended up being 6'9 and patterned my entire game after him. Played pro in Germany. He was the GOAT. The fact that the Knicks crowd is cheering for him when he scores while theyre down shows it.
Never our lives do I think we'll ever see the Knicks cheering so hard for getting blown out haha
Just like in soccer, it has become so rare to see guys play their entire career with the same team even when they are not contenders. Nowadays all these boys ask for a trade in a superteam as soon as it gets hard cause they can't carry, they have no honor no dignity and won't be remembered. Dirk will always be a legend.
Thank you for treating my fellow German Dirk Nowitzki the way you did!
He beat the heat at their full strength. That championship should've counted for 2. The ultimate competitor. That unstoppable one legged step back from the elbow.
Always appreciated the love from the Boston fans that wanted him to score those shots
I grew up watching Dirk since I was a little kid and loved his game… we were robbed of a chance to get to see him and Luka play a few great years together in Dallas.. I can only imagine.
Brooklyn crowd was loving it
Nie war ein zünftiges 'Legende bruder' angemessener
The fact that Lebron and Wade made fun of him for being sick in the 2011 finals will remain a black stain on their careers that even till this day, they can't live down.
I was at that clippers game. We were all confused when the timeout was called. Once Doc got on the mic we realized what was happening. One of the best moments I’ve ever been part of!!
Thanks for the video I've been looking for his final tour for awhile. Very touching to see how his opponents have great respect on him
DIRK NOWITZKI is the most Loved non-American athlete of All Time 🌎✌️
Fans , coaches , players really respect dirk .
Loved also the Spurs tear inducing tribute to a rival team/player for Dirk. 100% sure it was all Pop idea but I’m sure the Spurs fans were also appreciative.
Got to be one of the most liked and loved player of all time. Someone you can’t hate. My goat
A very respectful farewell tour worthy of a champion.
There are not many stars in whatever who has such a passion and is that down to earth. hes a star for everyone. not only for the first row.
RESPECT I'm from Germany and he's like god here. even basketball ins't that big. since him we got a starting five full of nba players for the first time.
Dirk and Nash are my two favorite players. I’m sad they never got a ring together but also happy they thrived without each other.
I knew the moment he was drafted he would one of the greatest to ever play. Thanks big guy for all the memories.
One of the Greatest Of All Time..
Phenomenal
I'm sure that Dirk built different
1:15 Dirks Shot is just so nice.
Fr
As a fan of Dirk growing up, he really was the one who got me into the sport and inspired me to play in my middle and high school days. Watching him during his last season and even being able to see one of his home games in person during that last season was truly amazing and than seeing him tear up at San Antonio really brought tears to my eyes seeing my idol play the game he loved one more time against a team that always gave him trouble in the playoffs was just a perfect ending to a legendary career of a player with class.
In the NBA, when you have the entire building including both teams cheering for your shots going in, that really shows you how loved a player is.
World class by the NBA fans!
I just love watching Pop scream at this team to get the hell away from him.
what a freaking legend!!
Well loved and well respected! ❤
Man, of all of the class acts in recent years who always praised their opponents, was with the same team during the heat of free agency, and was ok with a lesser role as his skills declined, Dirk is among great company in the likes of David Robinson, Tim Duncan, Reggie Miller, John Stockton, Karl Malone, and many others from that era. I especially love the classy tribute that Doc did for him and will always remember it.
look at Dirk man, SO INSPIRATIONAL
DWade was cringe and loud about his farewell tour. Dirk didn't announce and want a thing yet he got the best ovations everywhere
One of the most special players to ever grace the NBA!
New York fans are tough. Mostly to their own teams. But in that moment they showed class
One of the all time great PF. Him and TD I had the pleasure to watch over the years and will forever be grateful. ❤❤❤❤❤
That Luka smile with Dirk was so wholesome. lol
The look the joker gave him at the All Star game. Says it all. Legend!
To get respect like that shows you a lot of who Dirk was #DallasLegend
When you are good and do it the right way. When you earn the respect of friends and foes. This is how you are told Good bye and Thank You
I hope he's doing great now he's my 2nd favorite nba player💜
What Doc did is one of the most incredible things that has ever happened during a basketball game
you know youre a legend when fans on the opposite team start cheering for you every time you take a shot
amazing video!
Truly one of a kind
Who could not love him?
Dang only if Luka was a bit older maybe we could have seen one of the best duos of all time
im not crying. you're crying...
The master of one leg fade away..
And Mike Tyson said: Greatness is not guarding yourself from the people; greatness is being accepted by the people.
5:24 Lebron running to him asking for his shirt I believe, greatness recognize greatness.
Getting that much love outta town....... Mayne! Hold up!
GOAT.
A goat leaving…a new goat rises! #Dirk2Don
He ran to him the way dogs run to there owners when they miss them 😭❤️
Damn bruh you didn’t have to show all those bricks 😭😭
Dirk didn't ask for a farewell tour. Everyone gave it to him when it was getting clearer and clearer that it was going to be his final season. He's such a beloved figure in the history of the game.
I used to be apart of a hype squad that would perform at Spurs game and I remember right next to him during one of the playoff games, he had to go to the back to stretch out or something, and I remember thinking, I could be a hero in San Antonio and take this guy out!🤣🤣🤣 that’s how annoyingly good he was and how much he caused problems for SA, but in the end, because our team had it, we recognized greatness, hence the rivalry! I’m glad he got his recognition and his one title, that’s all we’re allowing here! When in Texas, you’re rivals, outside of Texas, your allies!
a humble NBA player
00:33 even the Boston guys - especially the two with the towels - about to explode-celebrate...
I was at this game. It was pure chaos.
Imagine Dirk and Luka both in prime at same time 🥶😱😰
Legend!!!
i just replayed this video since dirk is my all time favorite player... POP WAS MAD WHEN THAT GUY DIDINT BACKOFF TO GIVE DIRK THAT LAST SHOT HAHAHAHA!!!!!
6:30
Dirks first ever NBA points were vs the Warriors and he opens the scoring here. 😆
doc rivs has a heart of dirk nowitzki❤
the greatest.
bro, this a unique kind of love bc you'll never see the biggest underdog beat all of ur favorite hall of famer (one of them is a flop artist).
Left out the best one - in Dallas
Honestly, I think the best was in San Antonio. It was so unexpected and perfect. Especially when Pop is about to lose it on his own player for guarding Dirk, then applauding when Dirk makes it anyways.
@@jimmyrodriguez5670
You got a point. But for me, nothing beats home crowd. That ceremony after the game was special with all of Dirk's favorites players showing up.
u know real legends gets this treatment home or away
Man i still feel for lebron at this moment 5:28
Crazy to think that luka and Brunson got to play with this legend
Try not to cry.
He was something.
I got choked up watching this (yea im a lil soft) just seeing that im not the only one who has this much love for German Jesus. He is the reason i fell in love with basketball and still love it the way i do now. 21 great years through the ups & the downs he made being a MFFL easier. 4 years later, its still a huge thank you to MY GOAT Dirk💪🏾💪🏾💜🙏🏾
Amigo jugo hasta que ya simplemente no pudo jugar , amor al basket
Ahora juega al padel ❤🎉
Bro Dirk farewell tour was crazy the away game was home games 🤷🏾♂️
first 20 season
pop “never leave dirk alone, defend him to death! such an nightmare match up to deal with him”
last season
pop “leave dirk the hell alone, let him shoot!”
Why start a tribute video with him bricking 4 shots?
That was 🔥
Hell yeah!