When he looks at rookie Dennis Smith Jr., Dirk Nowitzki sees a little of himself, circa 20 years ago.
Very little.
"I was a bit less of an athlete," he said, suppressing a grin at the understatement.
Nowitzki and his teammates are excited about the start of the preseason and the arrival of the highest rookie pick the franchise has had since the acquisition of Devin Harris on draft night in 2004. Training camp begins Monday with media day, and the first official practice is Tuesday.
Smith proved he was as good or better as any rookie in the summer league.