Dallas Mavericks: 5 goals for the 2018 offseason

3. Prepare to move Dirk Nowitzki to the bench

Firstly, let me say I have nothing but total respect for Nowitzki. However, at the age of 39 and having been the main man on the Mavericks for the entire 21st century, he is slowing down.

This is an issue for the Mavericks, as the team has been set up around him for the last 18 years. Nowitzki has been everything on the court for this team. For his career, Nowitzki has averaged 21.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 0.9 blocks and 0.8 steals per game.

These numbers are incredible. Nowitzki was the first international player to change the opinion of the entire NBA about how a European player can succeed in this league. His 31,187 points for his career has Nowitzki sitting sixth all-time.

However, it is time to bring Nowitzki off the bench. He is still a talented player, but his production has waned. Last season, Nowitzki averaged 12.0 points per game — the lowest mark since he averaged 8.2 per game in his rookie season, back in 1998-99.

To put that into slight perspective, Dennis Smith jr was only a one year old when Nowitzki debuted in the league. With the athleticism that has come into the league, the legend must come off the bench for the good of the team.