Coaches, players and fans across the NBA are saluting Dirk Nowitzki with testimonials, videoboard messages and heartfelt ovations and, here in North Texas, another expression of appreciation.
$$$$!
Saturday began the one-month countdown to the Mavericks' home finale and, possibly, 40-year-old Nowitzki's last American Airlines Center appearance as a player.
Here's where we are obligated to point out that, unlike Miami's Dwyane Wade, Nowitzki hasn't said or even hinted that this is his last season. The organic nature of the Nowitzki outpouring makes it all the more profound.
Many Mavericks fans, though, obviously don't want to risk missing Nowitzki's potential final bow at home.