On the eve of his first Mavericks home game, against Utah on February 9, 1999 in Reunion Arena, young Dirk Nowitzki politely issued a plea to fans in North Texas.
"Just be patient with me."
Twenty-one iconic seasons later, when Nowitzki plays perhaps his final home game Tuesday night, against Phoenix, the only likely pleas will be from grateful Mavericks fans chanting, "One more year!"
A lifetime ago in another sport, Dallas native Ernie Banks, Mr. Cub, toiled all 19 of his Hall of Fame seasons for a forlorn franchise, setting a record for most games without a postseason appearance before retiring at age 40.