Dallas Mavericks: 5 predictions for the 2018-19 NBA season

DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 12: Rick Carlisle and Devin Harris #34 of the Dallas Mavericks during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on October 12, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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4. This season is Dirk Nowitzki’s farewell tour

Dirk Nowitzki saw two former teammates in Steve Nash and Jason Kidd enter the Hall of Fame this past September. He saw the official end of the Big 3 era in rival San Antonio when Manu Ginobili announced his retirement. He now will watch the man who he split Finals matchups against in Dwyane Wade enter his final season.

Although Nowitzki is always an affordable, fun and welcomed locker room presence, his body might be foreshadowing the end. Per Mavs.com’s Dwain Price, Dirk will be out for two weeks due to a sore left ankle. This may not seem significant, but with Nowitzki entering his age-40 season, the ageless superstar be near the end of his career.

The only bittersweet moment this season will come when LeBron James passes Nowitzki on the all-time scoring list, but this just reflects the greatness of both legends. When Dirk calls it quits, it won’t matter, because his overall legacy as an NBA champion and one of the most elite power forwards in history has already been cemented for years.

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