Dirk Nowitzki is an MVP, champion, and perennial All-Star. He’s soon to be the No. 6 scorer in NBA history, and the only question in play regarding his post-career is where he’ll be seen first: at the Hall of Fame in Springfield or as a statue outside American Airlines Center.
Those qualities all pertain to his legacy. But one of the defining elements of Nowitzki’s pro career is his ability and willingness to adapt to new coaches, new systems, and a new style of play over time. Since he’s come in the league, the hand-check was eliminated, the three-point shot became the key to offense, and isolation play has waned.