Alles Gute zum Geburtstag, Dirk Nowitzki.
For those of you who don't speak German or know how to use Google Translate, that means Happy Birthday. Today, though, isn't just any birthday for Mavericks icon Nowitzki. It's big, old, round-number 40.
In life terms, it means Nowitzki has reached so-called middle age. From an active athlete's standpoint, assuming Nowitzki follows through on his plan to return for his 21st NBA season, it means he has entered rare territory.
In the NBA's 72-year history, only 27 players have competed into their 40s, although three did so this past season.