NBA Turkeys: What Each Team Is Thankful For

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Dallas Mavericks

Nov 13, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) shoots against the Philadelphia 76ers at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The Mavs Are Thankful For: Dirk Nowitzki and His Contract

Much like the Cavaliers, the Mavericks should be thankful for Dirk Nowitzki‘s generosity and loyalty to the franchise.

Outside of providing the team with a player who can stretch the floor, play in the post and provide valuable winning leadership, Nowitzki also provides the team with maybe the biggest bargain for a superstar with his 3-year, $25 million contract that he signed this past summer.

The contract allowed the Mavericks to splurge on players such as Tyson Chandler, Jameer Nelson and most notably, Chandler Parsons, in addition to cap flexibility in the future. Ever since Nowitzki arrived in Dallas in 1998, he has been the heart of the franchise, and as he is approaching the twilight of his career, he is setting the team up for success in the years to come. That’s the sign of true leadership, and the Mavericks should be thankful for that.