Dirk Renews His Vow to Take Less Money, Give Mavs Another Title Shot

Even when you’re married, it’s nice to get some validation of affection every now and then.

Especially when, in the case of the Mavericks and Dirk Nowitzki, you’ve just endured a relationship-jeopardizing pothole known as Game 7 in San Antonio. Even though his underdog No. 8 seed Mavs pushed the Spurs to the limit, Nowitzki admits it was a bitter end to a sweet series.

More importantly, he reiterates – yet again – that he plans to re-sign with the Mavs and finish his Hall-of-Fame career in Dallas.

Whew.

“Like I always said, it wouldn’t even feel right if I played somewhere else,” Nowitzki told reporters in Arlington last Sunday before attending the ceremony honoring former Ranger Michael Young. “We’ll get together at some point and talk about the future and see what we’ve got going. It hasn‘t gotten to that point yet.”

It will.

Fresh off an island vacation, Dirk is already thinking about the 2015 season. He’ll sign another contract – with a hometown discount. And he’ll have input into how and who the Mavs attempt to build off their promising season.

But, first, the Game 7 blowout loss to the Spurs has to melt away.

“It was tough,” he said. “We had a shot to beat the No. 1 seed and if you watch them now they’re rolling. The whole series goes through you head, even on vacation.”

The 35-year-old can go away on vacation, as long as keeps calling Dallas home.

“It was nice to make the playoffs, but that’s not up to our standards,” he said. “We’re looking to make the team better and act accordingly.”

Monta Ellis is now the Mavs’ best player. But it’s refreshing to know that the franchise still belongs to Dirk Nowitzki.

A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He currently lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.

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