Nowitzki: I never thought about doing a retirement tour in my last season.

Niti998

March 31st, recent retired basketball star Dirk Nowitzki appeared on a podcast, discussing his farewell tour upon retiring in 2019 and sharing his perspective on retirement tours.

When asked, "How long did it take for you to tell others about your retirement?"

Nowitzki replied, "I think it was that year (referring to 2019), but I really didn't want to announce it. I really didn't want to do this retirement tour, it was forced upon me. But I still received that treatment during that season."

"Because the fans saw that situation, I think I struggled, so I think it was actually during the game against the Clippers when Coach Doc Rivers started it."

"I remember as soon as the game ended, he picked up the microphone, and we all were waiting there for the time to pass normally after losing the game, but then Rivers called a timeout. I was thinking, 'What is he doing? The team is upset, why call a timeout now?' Then Rivers went to the microphone and said, 'Dirk, such an amazing career, everyone stand up and give him a round of applause.' Honestly, I felt a bit embarrassed at the time, I had never felt that way before. It was an incredible gesture, you know, because we had just lost the game, and I don't think you can really enjoy it. Suddenly, after the All-Star break, my road games also began."

"I was invited to the All-Star that year because people thought it was my last season, and the whole thing just snowballed. When I came off the bench, the away fans spontaneously applauded me. So the retirement tour happened without me officially announcing my retirement."

"From a health perspective, I could barely play anymore; I just couldn't keep going like before."

Dirk Nowitzki officially retired after the 2018-2019 season, during which he played 51 games, averaging 7.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 0.7 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of 35.9% and a three-point shooting percentage of 31.2%.

Shri

Worth it.　　　　　　

Pooja193

Should have played for two more years.

Kalkin995

It's evident, they're having tribute ceremonies at away games now, it's embarrassing not to retire.

Jafar224

You deserve it, the 2010 championship sealed the deal.

Isha000

Actually, retirement is also good for the body. During Duncan's jersey retirement ceremony, his legs couldn't even stand straight.

Ritu13

Initially didn't plan to retire, but now I have to leave.

Jayne94133

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