Dallas Mavericks: 5 reasons to be excited for the 2018-19 season

1. Dirk Nowitzki’s farewell tour

If this isn’t Dirk’s last year of pro basketball, then it might be his last year of good basketball.

When he averaged 12.0 points and 5.7 rebounds in 24 minutes per game last season, those were his lowest numbers in all three categories since his rookie year.

Now that he’s 40 years old and going into his 21st season, with the Mavs putting together pieces to build for the future, there’s no reason to believe those numbers won’t take another dip in 2018-19.

Nowitzki has said he’ll play this season and then evaluate if he wants to keep going.

In terms of his resume, there isn’t much left for Dirk to do. He is a lock for the Hall of Fame. He’s been a champion, league MVP and Finals MVP. He’s got two handfuls of All-Star and All-NBA nods. He ranks No. 6 in NBA history in total points.

He is unquestionably the greatest player in the history of the Dallas Mavericks; in addition to the inevitable jersey retirement and statue outside the arena, don’t be surprised if Nowitzki transitions into a front office or even a part-ownership role wit the Mavs after his playing days are done.

Nowitzki has (again) volunteered to come off the bench this season if that is best for the team. So far, Carlisle has not taken him up on that offer.

What’s more important than starting, however, is that Nowitzki will be on the court at the end of games in crunch-time situations. That’s when he can create a few more memorable moments before calling it a career.

Catch his last act now before the show is over.