“Best teammate I ever had” - Dirk Nowitzki reveals what made Steve Nash his all time favorite teammate
Dirk Nowitzki's Hall of Fame speech was interesting - from ending his feud with past opponents to addressing his greatest struggles in his two-decade-long NBA career. However, one of the most touching parts of his speech was when Nowitzki named Steve Nash the 'greatest teammate' of all time, saying that he always inspired him to give his all.
In typical Nowitzki fashion, he couldn't just thank Steve Nash and Jason Kidd for their contributions to his career. Instead, the German star yanked their leg to get a laugh from the audience.
“I would have really loved to play together with (Steve Nash and Jason Kidd) in their primes, but unfortunately, I had to deal with what they gave me,” Nowitzki continued. “Creativity is worth nothing without leadership, and the guy that comes to my mind is my friend, Steve… It means the world to me, and you were a great role model to me. Best teammate I ever had. You were always positive, you always encouraged me. We worked our butts off at night, went back to the gym, and you became a friend for life. Thank you, my friend.”
Dirk Nowitzki on Jason Kidd
When Nowitzki was drafted as the 9th overall pick in 1998 only to make his way into Dallas, Steve also went from Phoenix to Dallas that year. Not only did they forge a strong friendship together, but Nash’s game was just what was required to maximize Nowitzki's potential. During their time together, the German went from averaging 8.2 PPG in his rookie year to 25.1 PPG during the 2002-03 season with Steve.
On the other hand, Nash averaged 14.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 7.2 assists in their six-year run together, leading the franchise to four postseason appearances.
However, Nash was not the only one who had a beneficial influence on the 14-time All-Star. Jason Kidd was another solid guard who contributed to the 'German Race Car's' success, particularly his title run in 2011.
“I’ll always remember when you (Kidd) came to us, you were already a little older, but you were a warrior," Nowitzki said. "I remember you picking up guys at age 37, 38 picking up guys full court. 94 feet, hustling for us. Making plays on both ends, and you were just a wonderful, wonderful all-around player, and we won the championship together,” Dirk concluded. “We have a bond for life.”
Nowitzki jokes about never liking the 2023 HOF inductees
If you want to be as successful as Dirk to have the same aspiration of winning championships, you will always have adversaries in attaining your goals. Although, after his retirement in 2019, Nowitzki's conflicts with some of the greats may be a thing of the past, he was eager to point out that he wasn't always fond of Pau Gasol, Tony Parker, and Dwyane Wade during his days on the court.
But in classic Nowitzki fashion, he has put those emotions in the past and just has respect and adoration for all the legends now.
“Pau, Tony, D Wade, I didn’t always like you guys,” Nowitzki added. “We competed at the highest level, but there was always an appreciation for all your guys’ greatness, so thank you guys.”
