![“THE IRON LEG”
Dirk Nowitzki showed the world his step back jumper. Kobe Bryant watched Dirk win the 2010-2011 NBA Championship. Now, Kobe shoots Dirk’s step back jumper.
Some people might slight Bryant for so clearly jacking “The Iron Leg.” Not me. I think it’s incredible. And awesome.
[slideshow of each version]
Dirk created the best post-Olajuwon post move in basketball, Kobe understood it’s value, and put it in his game. That’s why he’s great — anything to get better. Last night, Bryant used it in the Playoffs.
You know, imitation is the highest form of flattery, but before you go thinking Kobe’s handing out compliments…
“I improved his move. I can shoot mine from the three-point line. He can’t do that… Dirk does it well, I do it better. Mine’s a little sexier.”
-Kobe Bryant
#GotEmCoach](http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m3f8ae2c4L1qcmnsoo1_r2_400.gif)
“THE IRON LEG”
Dirk Nowitzki showed the world his step back jumper. Kobe Bryant watched Dirk win the 2010-2011 NBA Championship. Now, Kobe shoots Dirk’s step back jumper.
Some people might slight Bryant for so clearly jacking “The Iron Leg.” Not me. I think it’s incredible. And awesome.
Dirk created the best post-Olajuwon post move in basketball, Kobe understood it’s value, and put it in his game. That’s why he’s great — anything to get better. Last night, Bryant used it in the Playoffs.
You know, imitation is the highest form of flattery, but before you go thinking Kobe’s handing out compliments…
“I improved his move. I can shoot mine from the three-point line. He can’t do that… Dirk does it well, I do it better. Mine’s a little sexier.”
-Kobe Bryant
OPENING DAY
…kinda. I know they played a pair in Japan already, and I know the next two days are technically considered Opening Day as well, but for just this post, humor me.
Two things:
- I’m basically certain LeBron James is the Best Athlete in the World. I have full confidence he could be an outfielder for the Indians, or break all of Jerry Rice’s records with the Browns. I bet he swims faster than Phelps, and out-tennises Novak Djokovic. I’ve clearly lost your attention.
- Give me back your attention for another second: For all your baseball needs, please follow the incomparable Mighty Flynn.
“I’m going, going, back, back to Würzburg, Würzburg…” (Biggie Voice)
The Big Volkswagen hit the streets of Deutschland to celebrate his 2011 NBA Championship and Finals MVP, then gave an interview to Der Spiegel, the weekly German news magazine.
Choice excerpts below:
SPIEGEL: You are now a German-American idol.
Nowitzki: To be honest, I slowly have the feeling that I’m not cut out for such moments.SPIEGEL: What do you mean?
Nowitzki: Well, at the very least I don’t behave terribly competently. I feel ashamed when the entire focus is on me. I think people can see that. In public appearances, I am stiff as a board.
- - - - -
SPIEGEL: You have long been reserved when it comes to sponsoring gigs. Is that going to change in the future?
Nowitzki: There certainly isn’t a shortage of offers. You wouldn’t believe how many watch manufacturers have sent me their models. Just like that. I give them all away. I am satisfied with what I have. How crazy do you have to be when you can afford everything but still clutter up your life with all sorts of advertising appointments? No thanks.
- - - - -
Nowitzki: …do you know what made me the happiest?
SPIEGEL: What?
Nowitzki: Muhammad Ali sent me a package.
SPIEGEL: What was in it?
Nowitzki: A boxing glove with the inscription: “You are the greatest.” Please don’t ask me immediately about the political meaning of the gift. I was simply happy and sent Ali a golden basketball with a similar inscription.
- - - - -
SPIEGEL: You have a long season behind you. How are you going to get fit before the European championships?
Nowitzki: I plan to occupy myself with things other than basketball, like drums, for example.
Read the full article here.
The Champion Mavs have fun on the plane home. Is there a better job than being a professional athlete? There just can’t be.
Dirk. Dallas. Done deal.
The beauty of Dirk Nowitzki staying with the franchise that drafted him - through the ups and the downs, the trades and the failures - working hard through every turn, despite not knowing whether he’d ever get another shot at winning and title and redeeming himself and his team.
I tip my cap.
Did you miss any of the #GotEmCoach Game 6 coverage over night? Don't.
Click the link above to see the best in #NBA coverage, first.
REQUIRED READING: Perseverance pays off for Nowitzki, Mavs
Adrian Wojnarowski just put everyone that writes about sports, especially the NBA, on full notice. MUST READ.
Read it now.
Yes, he clutched the trophy, but mostly the memories of making the Mavericks a relevant franchise out of a joke, carving a legacy and a legend as a forever hero. LeBron James will win a title, but he’ll never own it the way that Dirk Nowitzki did this one.
This wasn’t even a Top 10 excerpt from this piece. I don’t want to ruin it. Go read. Then come back and laugh at silly photos and inane blathering.
I was going to try and write something about this game, but Adrian Wojnarowski just dropped a bomb, and now all is lost.
