FRISCO, Texas _ Dirk Nowitzki has been around a while. He joined the Dallas Mavericks in June 1998.
In other words, the Nowitzki era started at the same time newest draft pick Dennis Smith Jr. was 7 months old.
"Not good. Not good," Nowitzki said, smiling. "But, you know, I've just been around for a long, long time. It's been fun, obviously, representing this franchise for such a long time and having great runs in the playoffs. But, yeah, I'm obviously one of the oldest guys now in the league. It's crazy how the time has flown by, you know?
"When I came in I was the youngest and the German wunderkind and all sorts of things. Next thing you know you're almost 40. When you stay busy and you're having fun, time flies.
"Now I'm there to help. Obviously, to get the younger guys better, help them with spacing on the court, help them with experience off and on."
Reports surfaced recently that the Mavericks will decline their $25 million team option for next season in Nowitzki's contract and are working on a new deal, likely for two years. With free agency beginning Saturday, a new deal could be coming in the next few days.
"Now it's time to look forward already to July 1. I don't know if Mark (Cuban) has already emailed (Dirk's longtime mentor/ coach) Holger (Geschwindner)," Nowitzki said before the reports surfaced. "I'm not sure how they communicate since Holger is a little ancient. I'm sure there's some decent communication before July 1 to see what we can do to help our franchise."
Nowitzki, who turned 39 on June 19, is set to go into his 20th season with the Mavericks. He has helped the organization reach the highest of highs with an NBA Championship (2011) and playoff berths in 15 of the past 17 years.
Along the way, Nowitzki has established himself as one of the all-time greats. He became only the sixth player in league history to score 30,000 points last season.
And it's not just about scoring. It's about leadership and sharing.
Nowitzki was in New York on Monday night for the NBA Awards Show, at which he accepted the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year honors. The award recognizes the league's "ideal teammate" who exemplifies "selfless play and commitment and dedication to his team."
"Yes, great honor to be here for the first Awards Show. I never thought I would get a Teammate of the Year award, but it means a lot to me. It means that I lead my teammates the right way, on and off the floor," Nowitzki said Monday night. "I was fortunate when I got in the league, I had some great teammates to show me the way and that was Steve Nash and Michael Finley, two great, unbelievable pros that basically raised me right in this league and I basically followed in their footsteps ever since."
Before going to New York, Nowitzki hosted his annual charity baseball game benefiting his foundation and the Heroes Foundation over the weekend at Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco. He talked about a variety of subjects, including Smith, who was selected by the Mavericks with the ninth overall pick in the NBA draft.
