Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki was awarded Germany's highest honor for sport on Sunday, amid hopes that he will lead his country's team to the 2012 Olympics.
German President Christian Wulff presented Nowitzki with the Silver Laurel Leaf, praising the Dallas Mavericks forward as one of the "giants of German sport."
Nowitzki led the Mavericks to this year's NBA title over the Miami Heat and was named the finals MVP.
Wulff praised his fellow German for remaining "modest and restrained" despite his success.
Nowitzki frequently returns to Germany, where he and his sister run a foundation that supports children around the globe.
Nowitzki will play for Germany at the European Championship, which starts Tuesday in Lithuania. The two finalists qualify for the Olympics in London.
