2018 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far
Dirk Nowitzki: 1 year, $5 million (Dallas Mavericks)
Dirk Nowitzki is 40 years old. He’s played in 20 NBA seasons now, he’s more than a step slow and he posted the lower numbers of his career last year since his rookie season (12.0 points and 5.7 rebounds per game).
With that being said, this is a no-brainer. Dirk is a member of the Dallas Mavericks for life, and as long as he wants to keep playing without hurting himself, you bring him back. While $5 million a season is probably worth more than his actual on-court contributions at this point, Dirk is a lifetime staple in this organization and has taken countless paycuts to help his team. In that light, $5 million for what might be his 2018-19 farewell tour is getting off easy.
Nowitzki isn’t useless on the court either. He’s probably more suited for a bench role at this point, but with DeAndre Jordan around to no longer force him into playing as a small-ball 5, the Mavs’ defense has a chance of covering for Dirk, who posted efficient .456/.409/.898 shooting splits last year and will spend his season spreading the floor and throwing up his trademark “3” as only the lovable German can.
Bourguet Grade: A+
Hoops Habit Grade: A+