Sir Charles in Charge
Fansided

NBA: Little things worth appreciating for league’s strugglers

By Jacob Doole

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 19: Justin Holiday #7 of the Chicago Bulls looks on during to the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre on October 19, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 19: Justin Holiday #7 of the Chicago Bulls looks on during to the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre on October 19, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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DALLAS, TX – NOVEMBER 05: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks greets Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers after a game at American Airlines Center on November 5, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX – NOVEMBER 05: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks greets Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers after a game at American Airlines Center on November 5, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Dallas Mavericks (2-13): Dirk’s last* hurrah

This season may not actually be Dirk Nowitzki’s last. But if his play, and the play of the Mavericks, is anything to go by, maybe it should be.

In 15 games (all starts), Dirk is averaging 10.2 points and 5.3 rebounds in 24.3 minutes per game, while shooting 42.6 per cent from the field.

The last time any of those figures were as low? His rookie season.

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There are plenty of parallels to be drawn between Dirk so far this season and Kobe in his final stanza. Granted, he isn’t playing as badly as Kobe was, but there’s a similar theme at play. If the Mavericks were committed to winning he would be much better suited to a bench role.

There’s no chance Dirk ever comes off the bench— Rick Carlisle demoting him from the starting lineup is about as likely as him ever playing for another team.

With such an emphasis on maintaining and honouring his legacy, Dallas’ season risks turning into an unabashed farewell tour, where winning is secondary.

And that’s exactly why Mavericks fans should watch.

There are two major and positive differences between this send-off and Kobe’s. The first is that Dirk isn’t the only, or even the biggest, inhibitor to winning.

Dallas have a net rating of -12.6 with Dirk on the court. That’s awful.

But even with him off the court, it’s -3.5. That’s still pretty bad.

A quick look at their personnel explains why. Harrison Barnes is solid and Dennis Smith Jr is exciting, but past them there’s not much above-average talent.

The second difference is that Dirk’s play isn’t stunting the development of young players.

Part of this is because, outside of Smith Jr, there isn’t any young talent there.

But Dirk’s unselfishness (he’s only taking 9.4 shots per game, fifth on the team) is allowing others to embrace bigger roles.

So, in summary, Dirk’s possible last season is a less destructive, safer and more happy version of Kobe’s.

Must Read: Dallas Mavericks: What's Up With Nerlens Noel?

That seems like a pretty great reason to watch the Mavericks. Dallas fans need to accept their fate as a very bad team, and just hope and pray for a few last vintage Dirk moments.

(He has said that he’ll retire based on his body and health, not on the Mavericks and their record. So it may be a case of rinse and repeat for Dallas fans next season.)

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