DALLAS _ Mavericks icon Dirk Nowitzki, one of the most beloved athletes in Dallas-Fort Worth history, announced his retirement Tuesday night, ending his legendary 21-season career.
Nowitzki made his emotional announcement following Tuesday night's Mavericks-Suns game, his last at American Airlines Center, a game that was filled with video tributes and special-guest appearances.
Nowitzki, 40, retires as the sixth-leading scorer in NBA history, a milestone he reached on March 18 with a first-quarter, 20-foot jump shot against New Orleans, which propelled him past Wilt Chamberlain on the career list.
All season, he steadfastly had declined to say whether this would be his final year, so in arenas across the NBA, fans gave him standing ovations and often chanted his name, just in case this was his final season.
This has been a difficult season for Nowitzki, physically and from a production standpoint. After having ankle surgery last April, he missed all of training camp and this season's first 26 games.
His 21 seasons are tied for the most in NBA history, although former Mavericks teammate Vince Carter, currently with Atlanta, has said he hopes to return for his 22nd season next year.
One Nowitzki longevity record is not likely to be broken. His 21 seasons are the most of any NBA player who played for only one franchise, surpassing the 20 of the Lakers' Kobe Bryant, who retired after the 2015-16 season.
In addition to retiring as the sixth-leading scorer in league history, he ranks third in games and minutes played, sixth in free throws made, eighth in field-goals made and 12th in 3-pointers made.
