4. Dirk Nowitzki
Over the past few months, we’ve been running down the 50 guys that we think are the 50 best players, right here, right now. With the season starting, the list is almost complete. Today, Ben Collins takes a look at Dirk Nowitzki.
With summer dragging on and on and on before the NBA tips off, we’ve decided to initiate a multipart series that will be the definitive look at the best players in the NBA today.
Over lunch at the Outback Steakhouse (word to Steve Irwin), your crack SLAMonline.com staff sat down and ranked the 50 best players in the NBA today. We realize that’s kind of ambiguous, but that’s how basketball is and that’s how we like it. Basically, though, we tried to list the 50 guys we think have the most value to their teams, right now, at this moment. This doesn’t mean they’ll never be traded, and it doesn’t mean they’re due tremendous contract extensions, but it does mean — since value is king in the NBA — that over the next month or so we’ll run down the 50 guys that we think are the 50 best players, right here, right now.
Before long it’ll be time for our annual NBA team previews. Right now it’s time for some law and order…
4. Dirk Nowitzki
When Dirk Nowitzki first came into the league, he couldn’t stop
swearing. In practice after missed shots, in the locker room,
sometimes even in interviews. The guy had a second career as a sailor.
You know, if that whole “being the best International player in the
history of basketball” thing didn’t pan out.
But anyone and everyone who walked by this oversized kid trying to
fit into this new language, this new culture, this new style of play,
even, was going to make sure he panned out. Because they saw
something special in him.
They saw a kid who was a step quicker than anyone his size. They saw
a kid who was always one move ahead of his opponents, and one day
ahead in progress than any other of the NBA’s “pet projects.” And
they knew, ultimately, he just had the misfortune of undergoing his
entire maturation process in the NBA.
So, for years, there was always one phrase attached to Dirk in
shootarounds and practices. Whether it was uttered by the Mavs PR
Director Sarah Melton trying to cover up an ill-timed curse or Dallas
coach Avery Johnson trying to cover up an ill-advised pass, it was
the same thing.
“We’re working on that.”
His ever-improving post game? Dirk has almost fully transformed
himself into a two-dimensional offensive player. He will forever be
an oversized two-guard first, but with summers of practice in
Germany, perfecting a baby hook and a few new post moves, Nowitzki is
just as effective from the low-block.
His defense and toughness? A couple of clutch blocks in last year’s
Western Conference Finals and a few fiery shoves underneath the
basket later and the frontcourt of Nowitzki and DeSagana Diop and the
Mavericks shed their “soft white boys” image that they had picked up
in Dirk’s early years.
As for rebounding? Dirk has averaged more than nine rebounds per in
five of his last six seasons. Oh, and he happened to lead the league
in rebounding in the playoffs as his team marched to the NBA Finals
last year.
And if there’s any doubt that he’ll one day be at the top of SLAM’s
Top 50 Players list, or that he’ll bring his team back to NBA Finals,
or that can find a way to win it some time, then just remember this:
They’re working on that. Dammit.
126 Responses to “4. Dirk Nowitzki”
Nov.10 at 1:12 pm
the brown guy says:
FIRST !
dirk is ill
cant wait for #1. kobe / lebron / wade ?
Nov.10 at 1:12 pm
Bimbo Coles says:
what! Dirk is a monsta!
Nov.10 at 1:16 pm
shane says:
Dirks sick no doubt, but switch him with Nash at 7 and the top Ten makes sense.
Nov.10 at 1:19 pm
Max Airington says:
Well now we know whow the top three are….here’s hoping you got the order right. 3. Wade
2. Bron
1. Kobe or 3. Bron
2. Kobe
1. Wade/Salvatore.
Nov.10 at 1:21 pm
Matthew says:
Dirk Diggler. One of the best nicknames in the L.
Nov.10 at 1:23 pm
Ryan W. says:
His Dirkness, that’s my boy,
Nov.10 at 1:25 pm
Timbo says:
Yeah..like Slam has the audacity to put Wade over Kobe or LaBronzzes..Pls. Wade is 3rd, and that’s a fact.
Nov.10 at 1:27 pm
Max Airington says:
Wade has a title. That’s a fact.
Nov.10 at 1:28 pm
paps says:
Wade is overated. It’s all Shaq.
Nov.10 at 1:28 pm
CASHVILLE says:
I like Dirk. He’s unstoppable when that J is going but when its not he better hit the showers. He plays no defense at all and that is being nice. I used to say he was the new Larry Legend becuase of the pale pigmentation and the lights out jumper but he doesn’t have that killer instinct. I could easily see Adam Morrison being that guy in the future. I can’t say much about Dirk because for some reason he doesn’t exite me. So I will keep it brief. Ya’ll B E Z!
Nov.10 at 1:31 pm
Dylan says:
No doubt LeBron is gonna be first. Kobe deserves to be #2, but there’s been a lot of jock-riding on Wade…
Nov.10 at 1:32 pm
Timbo says:
Your point? Kobe has three titles..Wade had Shaq..so did Kobe. If LeBron had Shaq last year he gets that ring. And, don’t give me that crap about Shaq being old..he still demanded doubles, and ate up mad space…which in entailed opened Wade’s game. LOOK! Kobe is a 6′6 version of Wade(as he can do all Wade can do, and more), and LeBron is simply just plain better than Wade son..Now that’s a fact b! School’s out!
Nov.10 at 1:32 pm
Dirk_Fan!!! says:
I’m glad to see him up here in this list. I never thought, he’d be that good and get so much appreciation from you guys, even though the haters will be here in a second. Dirk had so many good games in the States and probably even more in International Competition.
It would have been so nice to see him lift the trophy. But unfortunately he didn’t caught fire in the Finals, thanks to some great Defense from the Heat.
No matter how he plays in the next years, he will be one of my favorite players ever.
Dude is awesome!
Nov.10 at 1:33 pm
Thomas says:
I don’t see how D-Wade is ahead of Dirk because Dirk gives his Team a missmatch on any given night and al
Nov.10 at 1:36 pm
Dylan says:
The thing is that Wade can take over the game whenever he wants reliably. So can Bron and Kobe. That cann’t be said for Dirk.
Nov.10 at 1:38 pm
Timbo says:
Dirk chokes in big games..He dissappeared in the finals..Jason Terry carried them.
Nov.10 at 1:43 pm
Max Airington says:
My point is that even though LeBron may be bigger and more versatile, Wade has a title and that’s what will seperate them for the time being. I hope there are tuition vouchers for this school of yours…
Nov.10 at 1:44 pm
Max Airington says:
Dirk made big shot after big shot in game 5. Fadeaway jumpers in the clutch over Shaq and Alonzo. He just didn’t have a tag team partner like Wade. No not Shaq. Salvatore.
Nov.10 at 1:48 pm
JG says:
Dirk is a FREAK!!!! I’ve never ever seen a more versatile big man in my life. A close favorite player (right behind Paul Pierce) don’t pay any attention to this funk the Mavs are in. Here’s hopin’ he grabs the MVP at some point in his career
Nov.10 at 1:54 pm
daveoh says:
1. wade + salvatore So true.
Nov.10 at 2:03 pm
Joumana says:
Wade is the best player because no one else in the league (except for maybe Bron) can do what he does! He can carry the ball, run three steps, carry it again, run some more, put up a wild shot without anyone even touching him and have Dick Bavetta blow his wistle as Mike Breen scream “Wade puts it in!!”
Nov.10 at 2:31 pm
KRoq says:
Dirk is one of the most overrated players in the game. How can a player be considered “versatile” when he only plays on one side of the floor? The Mavs always have him guarding the worst offensive player on the other team, leaving all the dirty work to be done by Josh Howard. The man is absolutely useless on the defensive end (esp. for a 7- footer!), whereas players like D-Wade and Lebron are all over the floor making plays.
And just like Timbo said, Jason Terry has carried the Mavs MANY a time in the 4th quarter, much more often than Dirk ever has. The Mavs are much more a result of a team effort than a 1-man show.
Nov.10 at 2:40 pm
Bryant Reeves says:
Diggler!!! Too bad he and Nash aren’t together anymore - they do a good job of making us white folk look good out there.
Nov.10 at 3:08 pm
Showgun says:
Disco Dirk at the 4 spot might work out in the end, but right now I still think TD should be top 4 on the list. Bryant (3), Wade (2), and Lebron (1). I only say lebron at one because without him the Cavs would be the worst team in the league by far. Kobe has LO, and PJAX on the side line, Smush Parker is only going to get better. As for Wade well he has Shaq daddy. Shaq only can help the Heat get into the playoffs, but they wouldn’t be Title contenders.
Nov.10 at 3:10 pm
Showgun says:
I meant to say, Shaq Alone can help the Heat get into the playoffs, but they wouldn’t be Title contenders.
Nov.10 at 3:13 pm
Jamison says:
I think Kobe is going to be #3. He’s older, more expensive, less marketable and less likely to trust his teammates than the other guys. He might be the most talented player, but he’s not going to be at the top of the most valuable player list. I think it will be 1. LeBron 2. Wade 3. Kobe
Nov.10 at 3:21 pm
mavsfor3 says:
A lot of people have the wrong impression of Dirk. He wants to win no matter what. He doesn’t care about the fame or stats.That can be a bad thing beacause he will let other guys take the shot that only he shoud take. He is learning sometimes you have to be the bad guy and be selfish. He listens to his coaches if they want him to pass the ball he will when he should take the shot. As far as defense he is not the best at it but he does get a lot of swats before they become blocks and he is 7″ feet so even though he doesn’t get a block players that drive do change there shots. He is one of the top players in the playoffs his game goes up another notch check his stats exept for maybe one year.
Nov.10 at 3:22 pm
DVLb0y613 says:
Larry hughes, gooden, ilgauskas and marshall are better collectively than kobe’s cast..Now that shaq’s out we’ll see who’s team performs better..Kobe for no.1, cause he has the killer instinct and competitiveness that D wade and bron dont..
Nov.10 at 3:25 pm
Spurfan1 says:
I hate Dirk and Tim Duncan is soo much better
Nov.10 at 3:25 pm
Ekam says:
kobe number 1 slam is gonna suck lebrons dick agian and make him number 1 like they gave his ass 4 magazines be4 he even made the nba nd he got 6 wen he made the nba nd now there gonna put his ass number 1 but kobes better and dwyanes 3rd
Nov.10 at 3:35 pm
DVLb0y613 says:
dirk dissapears in big games!! The only thing that he has goin is he’s seven feet with a jump shot and handles..he only creates a mismatch on the offensive end but is also mismatched himself on defense cause he cant stop anybody..a 7 footer with quickness and laterals like that should be averaging more blocks, rebounds than a stiff non-athletic big man like tim robot, but i don think thats the case..Dirk is so far one dimensional, the day he starts changing into an offense and defense player, and shows up in big games, he could be no.1 no doubt!
Nov.10 at 3:38 pm
DVLb0y613 says:
its a toss up between the good, the bad and the ugly..go figure
Nov.10 at 3:39 pm
Scott says:
DeSagana Diop isn’t a “white boy”…
Nov.10 at 3:39 pm
jbn74sb says:
Dirk has all the skills of an all-time player. However, despite his performance in the Western Conference Finals last year, he revealed in the Finals that he is still soft, nto a leader, and does not have the killer instinct that all truly great players have. The Mavs were up 2-0 in the series, and up by about 12 in the 4th quarter of Game 3. Wade has just picked up his 5th foul, and banged knee. What does Riley do? Inexplicably, he leaves Wade in the game, who then proceeds to shoot 812 free throws of the next 4 games and one quarter, and the Mavs lose. Now, part of this fails squarely on Avery for not directing his team to isolate Wade, and make him pick up his 6th foul. But, when you are a max player, and a supposed superstar and leader of your team, the majority of that falls upon you. Dirk, you blew it, and revealed yourself for what you are. The best WNBA player in the world. Pussy.
Nov.10 at 3:44 pm
Noah Doucette says:
TD is better
Nov.10 at 3:58 pm
Confucious of Bball says:
kobe is numero uno. How the hell lebron and wade be ahead of him, that is just dumb. From championship ringss, experience, play making skills, heroic shots, gravity defying plays, defense, Kobe should be ranked higher than those overrated players. Kobe should have won the MVP last year, but the dumbass so call experts gave more votes to Nash and Lebron. The Lakers would be shit without kobe and wouldn’t make it to the playoff. Without Nash, the sun could make it to the playoff easily, and without lebron the Cavalier should have made it to the playoff by themselves. How the hell someone not going to put Kobe at number one. If you ask the players majority would say Kobe is the best player in this era. Lebron even say he cant do the things that Kobe does. The so call experts dont know shit because they dont play against Kobe. Everyone who plays against Kobe said that it is impossible to guard him on a one on one situation. Last year kobe avereaged 35.5 points, highest since MJ. As you may know if you watch the Lakers games, he doesn’t get that much help from his teammates and the refs and he still led the lakers to the playoff. The refs are Lebron and Wade bi**hes, barely a touch and it is a foul. Common now, Kobe got slapped on his face and still no whistle. It is like Kobe playing against the world and that is why you people must give him props.
1.) Kobe
2.) Lebron
3.) Wade
Nov.10 at 4:00 pm
Stevo says:
dirk + nash = no defense.
Nov.10 at 4:30 pm
serbia23 says:
dirk is ill fuck nobody can block dat jumpshot hes got going
kobe 4 MVP
Nov.10 at 4:41 pm
Shiz says:
overrated… Im not even gonna waiste my time saying anything else…Its all been said…Nash’s exodus from Dallas exposed Dirk’s lack of “franchise-ness” like PeeWee Herman… Shouldn’t even be mentioned in the same breath as Bird…He reminds me more of a Dan Majerle, but without the effort on D. And anybody know the german word for “choke”?
Nov.10 at 4:58 pm
allenp says:
Damn, cats don’t like Dirk. I wouldn’t put him above AI and Duncan, but dude isn’t as bad as some of y’all think. The D needs work, but he has improved his rebounding and post play. He needs to be a better passer, defender and leader. Not just with snappy postgame comments, but in making big plays at both ends of the floor for his team when it matters. Too much jumper for me. Wade and Bron aren’t great defenders, but they are better than Dirk.
Nov.10 at 4:58 pm
Showgun says:
Lebron is a BEAST Period. Lebron can prolly score 81 points if he wanted, but the dude is a team player. nearly 30 points last year, and 7 rebounds and 7 assist per game. Should I keep adding because their is no hell I’m going to be subtracting from LB23 game. Kobe is trying to be team player but its not going so well for him, as we all watched the game 7 later year, Kobe quit. He quit in a game 7 playoffs match, what a bitch.
Nov.10 at 4:59 pm
Brad says:
Kobe should be first because he can play defence!!!! I have nothing else to say
Nov.10 at 5:06 pm
marcel mutoni says:
shouldn’t bruce bowen be first in that case, brad?
Nov.10 at 5:15 pm
winston and the telescreen says:
all I know is that wade better be 3rd
hes nowhere near as good as kobe or lebron
as far as who goes first?
the best player is obviously kobe
the most upside is obviously lebron
so it could go either way
but now that bynum is slowly merging into a beast
in a couple years we’ll be able to see 3 straight finals showdowns between the lakers and the cavs
so we’ll just have to wait and see how that goes
Nov.10 at 5:26 pm
Shiz says:
Showgun: LeBron is good, but he’s not 81 pts good. Let’s not forget that this was a couple months after he’d already dropped 62 in 3 qtrs. Meaning he could probably have 2 80 pt games under his belt… 2nd…Kobe and the Lakers are doing a lot better this year at sharing the ball..And more importantly, the rest of the squad actually act like they deserve to be out there (Odom, Bynum) 3rd…this is a new season…That same phx team that everybody thought was gonna run all over teams has uno win…less than the lakers… Live in the now…
Nov.10 at 5:43 pm
New era says:
Kobe is number one because there is no weakness in his game. With wade and lebron u could name what they are weak in. Kobe should be number 1 and Dirk is good but he isn’t better than TD or Allen Iverson.
Nov.10 at 5:56 pm
CASHVILLE says:
By no means did I say this guy was Bird. I thought about it a couple years back when he was hitting 40 just off of jumpers, no free throws, no layups. Sixty percent or better. He got lost somewhere…..
Nov.10 at 6:03 pm
ALX8725 says:
Realistically, wade shouldnt be top 5 in terms of value. dude takes it to the rim too recklessly and since david stern is watching his back… he doesnt need to develop a midrange game or a 3pt shot. So what if he “won” a ring… everyone knows that anyone that so much as looked at wade the wrong way during the finals, was whistled for a blocking foul. Actually now that I think about it, Wade can get all your starters fouled out resorting you to play all bench players and 3rd string players… and that is actually quite valuable in crunch time of big games… alright I take it back. Wade should be in the top 3.
Nov.10 at 6:15 pm
a says:
Ray Allen should be number 1
Nov.10 at 6:28 pm
ballfan says:
If Stern didn’t hate Cuban and the refs didn’t fall in love with Wade the Mavs would have won the title last year. You’re going to tell me scrubs like Posey and Haslim are going to grind Dirk’s offense to a halt when he was eating Bowen and Marion alive. Please
Nov.10 at 6:30 pm
Joshsquizzle says:
Kobe has to be No.1 i got alot of respect for how easy Bron makes it look but you got to respect a guy who can drop 81 point in a game and play D Kobe is a Machine
Nov.10 at 6:33 pm
Justin H says:
ONCE AGAIN I HATE EUROPEAN BASKETBALL.
Nov.10 at 6:38 pm
DVLb0y613 says:
in a perfect world kobe would be no.1 but in the slam world I dont know…
Nov.10 at 6:42 pm
josecuervoesmuybueno says:
dirk over timmy? hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha kiss the rings, bitch
Nov.10 at 6:48 pm
Showgun says:
Hey Shiz, I know Kobe is awesome, but the man is not going to win chip with the big guy around. Trust me I do live in the now, and that’s why I picked LeBron over Kobe. LB just got started and Kobe is at Peak level.
Nov.10 at 6:53 pm
cat says:
how come you rate dirk 4th and nash at 7th, while in the latest mag the top10 international player is nash with dirk being second?
Nov.10 at 6:53 pm
Showgun says:
I forgot to mention, with the no touch fouls (with is weak in my opinion) Lebron can drop 81 points in one game.
Nov.10 at 7:43 pm
T says:
I am not saying that D-Wade is #1, but he is definitely Top 3. And for all of yall that keep crying about the Finals, watch the tape. If Dirk would have stop settling for jumpers when they needed him to go to the hole, he would have gotten the same calls Wade got. You don’t shoot free throws when you are shooting nothing but jumpers. Basketball 101
Nov.10 at 7:57 pm
Drolfe says:
Dang, im real suprised alot of people are hating on Dirk. Yes, he was one dimensional during the first years of his career, but he turned his rebounding and his D right up last year. And about him not being a leader? It wasn’t until Nash left and Dirk got his agression on that they made the Finals. And now people blame the Finals loss last year on him? That’s insane. People spent all summer saying the Heat won because Wade got every foul call, then as soon as Dirk is ranked number 4 on this list its ‘yo it was all his fault’. And Dan Majerle? Dirk is a one of a kind, inside-outside, 7 foot shooting guard who averaged 27 and 9 last year! Dan Majerle was a three point shooter.
Ranking him higher than AI and Timmy and Nash is a big call but I like it.
Interesting point from cat up there, though.
Nov.10 at 8:00 pm
Playa says:
Everyone thought he was special when he first came into the league? What? I don’t remember that. I remember a lot of people thinking he was going to be a huge FLOP.
Nov.10 at 8:00 pm
Teddy-the-Bear says:
yo wazzup with this…. Dirk over Timmeh!… I wouldn’t take Dirk over T-Mac, nonetheless Duncan….. and ESPECIALLY never over AI the Answer!!!!!! now i’m rooting for KOBE #1!!!!!!!
Nov.10 at 8:13 pm
what! says:
mutoni, you know what he meant. Comparing dwade, bron and kobe’s defense, he said kobe should be #1.
dwade shouldnt be in top 3. And Dirk definitely is not in top 5. CP3 must be in top 5.
Nov.10 at 8:34 pm
bams says:
kobe should be number 1! Jordan said Kobe is the nearest player to imitate him..the physical and mental aspect. then Dirk admitted during summer that if Kobe was in team USA the results would have been different! he said Kobe is the best player in the league..forget about his image from the past and focus on his basketball skills the man doesn’t have any weakness!! and he is trying to turn over a new leaf and start from scratch. Kobe should better be #1! Lebron and Wade?Haha
Nov.10 at 9:00 pm
jr says:
in their top ten in magazine they rated nasty over dirk so why is it different here. dirk should stop getting down on his teamates when the pressure gets to high, and maybe he could get a ring. they only thing stoping him from getting a ring is he only seems to care about winning after he loses.
Nov.10 at 9:19 pm
Tron says:
Dirk could be the best player in the league if he got the calls black stars in the league get. But NO white player will ever get those kind of calls. The league is too afraid of looking racist. And NBA officiating is completely subjective. As for Dirk’s D.. people think he is a bad defender. he isn’t. He would be great at defending guys like himself, problem is there are none. But he is incredibly versatile like Rasheed Wallace. Dirk can guard big and small players well.. he just can’t shut them down. But what scorers in this league play D? Kobe doesn’t. Wade doesn’t.. Kobe doesn’t.
Nov.10 at 10:59 pm
zongalez says:
you can talk about all the stats and anecdotes and number or absence of rings, but OFTEN, in the end, it just comes down to you just plain like a player or you don’t. something about the way they carry themselves on and off the court, something about the way they move around, through, over, and under people. something about beauty. my breakdown: dirk. fun to watch when not playing scared, like in last year’s playoffs. beautiful J. should’ve went hard at bowen, like the other greats.mediocre D. moves like a giraffe. kobe, lebron, wade: similar but different. they all have the whole package, to varying degrees. lebron is breathtaking of course. his speed, power. his increasing savvy. an unfair cross between a point guard and a power forward. plays like a brand-new hummer on safari–sometimes whipping around trees, sometimes plowing right through them. all of them. of the three, he has the best court-vision. of the three, by far he is the most powerful. the he won those games against the wiz was just sick. arguably the best team leader of the three. but, his outside J is really ugly in form, and often undependable when it counts, and he knows it too. in last year’s playoffs the pistons were just daring him to shoot, giving him loads of space. another thing, his splay-footed style takes away from the grace in his game. wade. another breaktaking guy. plays like an antelope, long legs cut high, sidestepping through everybody like a running back/kung fu master. able to take hits and overpower. nicer J than lebron. has a spotty 3 though, and sometimes turnover prone. kobe. of the three, the most complete one-on-one player. not as powerful as bron and wade. not as good at team-play. a little sleeker in build; can’t plow through players like the other two. has a bigger array of moves, especially from mid-range. has an insane jumper. you don’t him want him shooting it from anywhere. has zero fear at crunch time. believes he can hit a fallaway three from 40 ft, and hits it. animal analogy? black mamba of course. venomous game. evil. he’s got a killer instinct the other two don’t have. my rating: 3: wade. cause he has shaq, stern and the refs on his side.
2: lebron. cause his outside shooting is a little weak. when teams plug up the middle, he’s gotta be able to make them pay.
1. kobe. he is simply more experienced and at the top of his game now. he plays more efficiently than the other two, with more IQ, and a better feel for the game. the other two are still young bucks learning how to harness and hone their speed, power, skills. however, if i was a GM i’t take bron. for a pick-up game where chemistry is an after-thought, i’d take kobe.
Nov.10 at 11:42 pm
SR says:
This list is just as pathetic as SLAM magazine. It’s all about hype, and it’s got nothing to do with who is actually a good baller. All flash and no substance. Don’t believe the hype.
Nov.11 at 1:00 am
serbia23 says:
sr if u dont like slam get da fuck offa SLAMlonline.com wuts wrong wit dirk notwitzi dat u dont like him or da way he plays well guess wut hes proven so shut da fuck up
CCCC
Nov.11 at 1:55 am
Phil B. says:
1. The Bucks obviously didn’t think Dirk was anything special;
2. Dirk would be (a) hero of game 5 for his game-winning fadeaway over Shaq; and (b) Finals MVP; if (c) Wade didn’t get that phantom call;
3. Dirk’s improvement from the 05 playoffs (crybaby, blamer) to the 06 playoffs (3 point play v. Spurs in Game 7 on the road to force OT, leader) was magnificent.
4. Slamming that roach was Dirk’s best move ever!
Nov.11 at 2:07 am
Ronald says:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efDWE1mvtu0 Go Dirk Dirk!!!!1
Nov.11 at 2:44 am
kingstuffs says:
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
how can dirk b higher then iverson
BUUUUUUULLLLSSSSHHHHHHIIIIIITTTTTTTTTT
Nov.11 at 3:11 am
Darksaber says:
Yes. Awesome spot for probably the guy whom every coach has to think of something special to stop him with, then fails! Bear with me now, this is gonna be a long post, can’t help it, I LOVE the guy’s game. Love the heart, the growl he developed during the 04 / 05 playoffs and above all, his unpredictability.
When Charles came back from a Nike summertour in Germany and stated that the shaggy blonde from Würzburg could ball in the league, when Nellie creamed his pants as he got him in the draft, even during the first half of the rookie campaign, i thought of him as Schrempf light. Boy, you sure proved me wrong Mr. Nowitzki. I live south of Germany, and let me state this, Dirk is the man over there. So much so, that after a few years of missing basketball on free tv, German TV (Shout out to Frank Bushmann at DSF) showed the whole Euro 05 and this summer’s world Championships. Why? Dirk was playing for zee germans. Fantastic development for such an unorthodox player. You all know his +/-but he never, never, never seems to amaze me. Noone that tall and gangly, yes he still moves awkwardly at times, has any business running breaks and shooting from downtown, and it’s a pretty shot too. Not some brick in transition, a high arching graceful shot. See i dig Mr Wade, and after the years, Shaquille has grown on me, but damn that finals loss really hurt. Cause in a nutshell, i admire Dirk Nowitzki. Even met him once 2 summers ago, and the whole “seeming shy” thing? Not an act, guy actually seems meek at times. (well except when he’s partying with the Nashter)
Nov.11 at 3:23 am
Darksaber says:
Oh yeah and i dig the fact, i think Lang noticed this too once, that his performance superficialy dips when he cuts his hair to buzzcut levels. Like Sampson.
Nov.11 at 3:47 am
Sylvia says:
Monday you will see wade #3
Tuesday you will see Kob #2
Wednesday you will see the chosen 1
Nov.11 at 6:35 am
Darksaber says:
By the way Mr. Mutoni, by your rational (actually it was Brad’s one post before you), Bruce Bowen is a great dee upper. Can we all just get off that horse, naah more like a unicorn because they both come from the realm of fantasy. Bruce Bowen is a bloody thug out there. Hurting player, slapping elbows, undercutting jumpshooters so the land on him, and basically just being an ass. I love D. I play D like my life depends on it, but that stuff Bowen pulls, that’s just vile
Nov.11 at 7:33 am
Tch92 says:
“Best international player”? I guess SLAM meant “best non-american player”, right? So, Dirk is a better player than Hakeem Olajuwon then?
Nov.11 at 11:20 am
David says:
Dirk at number 4… okay i can live with it but with the rest of your choices make me wonder if you guys are watching the same basketball I watch. I know u wont revise this list and our heart felt comments will probaply be a waste of energy placed through a keyboard BUT despite all that REVISE this list i am almost positive your top 3 will be Dwade Kobe and number one Lebron and why is that…. simple Lebron has given yall the LOVE.. is this polotics hell yes and thats whats going on these days basketball controlled by polotics yeh i know CP3 just had a cover for yall but KG has been a peoples CHAMP a long time running. To disgrace him like that it proved to me right then and there yall where just advertising heads. In one of the players TOP 50 you gave a quote that explained to do things your afraid to do. What you all need to do is do as that quote says and revise this list admit your wrong doings and what you’ll be doing is something extremely significant taking a little bit more polotics out of this game… Basketball.(i’m out and PLZ in your cover articles start getting really important information for example why not ask Gilbert what Lebron said to get into his head. P.S. Give Earl Boykins some LOVE i know not the cover but how about one of your side articles and not one of those “look how little he is” articles but an article that respects him as a BALLER he is currently averaging 14.3 a game 2 boards and almost 5 assist.
Nov.11 at 11:51 am
rob says:
Lebron is the best in the league nobody can guard him one on one and when ever you try to double team him he finds a wide open teammate.He is ahead of his time and he will get the MVP award this year the guy breaks records everyday
Nov.11 at 11:58 am
robbie says:
Lebron is the best in the nba. No one in the league can guard him one on one and when he is doubles teamed he finds a wide open teammate.He is ahead of his time he can play point, shooting, small forward, and power forward.
Nov.11 at 12:08 pm
MD Shuai says:
Dirk is above Tim because he made the big plays in the western conferance finals last year, whereas TD got shut down by DeSegania Diop in overtime of a game 7 AT HOME. Which is no slight against TD, the dude’s amazing; but as of right here, right now, (which here and now refer to the offseason lunch at which the list was compiled) Dirk gets the higher seed. He beat TD in the man’s own house. Of course he had help, but so did Timmy. BBall is a five man game, unless you’re on the Lakers. And how bout dem blazers? 4-2 isn’t a great record, but it’s way better than last season.
Nov.11 at 12:43 pm
scott says:
Your 2007 MVP (after about 7 games) isn’t even on the list…Lamar Odom
Nov.11 at 1:32 pm
Dirk_Fan!!! says:
@shiz
you’re a funny guy and with your comments about Dirk and Dan Majerle, you just showed your basketball knowledge (about as high as the chances, Big Ben losing a fight to lil’ earl boykins).
But I knew, there would be a lot of hate. Dirk is awesome and if you think, he shouldn’t be Top 5, I’m okay with it. But half the people act like he should be out of the league cause he can’t do this, can’t do that. The german word for choker is “Versager”, but Dirk is the direct opposite and guys like you we call “moechtegerns”;-) Dude is killing people on his way to the finals and people shit on him, cause he just had like 20 and 10 or something.
But it’s just not that easy for him to take the ball and go to the basket as it is for little guys who can bring the ball up court. He was defended very well and people forgot that there where always Shaq and Zo waiting for people under the basket. It wouldn’t be easy for nobody, not for Wade, Bron or whoever to go to the basket all the time.
And even so Wade played phenomenal and like a winner in the finals, the first two games weren’t that great for him and with just one or two balls rolling in or out of the basket, Miami would have lost (maybe swept) and people would see Wade a whole lot different.
So I’m just enjoying Dirk playin awesome games, Kobe taking my breath on so many plays, Wade drivin and dunking over dudes, Lebron’s strength and athletic abilities and Duncan just function like a robot. Even little AI playin his heart out, D Howard becoming a monster, Shaq being a monster, Vince jumping over people and Ray Allen for the beauty of his jumpshot.
And also while there are a lot of good comments about players on every pick, I’m enjoying reading all this dumb and idiotic comments from people who just think, they invented the game.
Nov.11 at 1:34 pm
Dirk_Fan!!! says:
Also I miss Myung’s comments, they were always good, kind of objective and fun to read.
Nov.11 at 1:52 pm
scott says:
15) Paul Pierce
14) Chris Paul
13) Carmelo Anthony
12) Tracy McGrady
11) Dwight Howard
10) Vince Carter
9) Elton Brand
8) Gilbert Arenas
7) Kobe Bryant
6) Yao Ming
5) Steve Nash
4) Dirk Nowitzki
3) Tim Duncan
2) Dwyane Wade
1) LeBron James
Nov.11 at 3:16 pm
Chief says:
The Dirty Dirk…it sounds like a sex position.
Anyways this not that valuble, i mean where was he in the finals? I agree that if Steve Nash was here is would have made a little more sense. Dirk has an incredible supporting cast. And Mark Cuban and Avery Johnson. No wonder he is on a winning team and it’s not always him. I think what makes him so valuble is his shooting. Man can jack a three ball and coaches don’t sweat.
Wade isn’t overrated. He has always gotten to the playoffs even without Shaq. BYEAH!!!
Nov.11 at 6:53 pm
Zach F. says:
dirk is a hell of a player no way round that. maybe he doesn’t always show up perfectly but there are only a handful of players in the league that can slow him down. as for #1, it goes to kobe.more rings, more experiece, more talent, weaker cast, and showed you in the playoffs he’ll do whatever it takes to win. nobody can do what he does, maybe t-mac when hes healty. #2 should be wade. a better cast around him but has really improved his j this year and also is nearly unstoppable. makes those and 1’s that you just look at and can’t look away b/c you can’t believe what you just saw. bron on the other hand i cant stand. he goes down at the 4 on 1 and 3 on 1 situations, tries to make something happen, and then complains when there is no call. stupid ass. mj could do that, he cant. the other two have sportsmanship unlike bron. kobe took himself out after 62 to help to mavs. but when bron loosen he walks off the court like a baby. that was funny shit when sean may swatted his ass and then stared him downn. hahaha. what a freakn looser.
Nov.11 at 7:50 pm
Simmy Sosa says:
Vote Joe Johnson ASG 2007!!!
Nov.11 at 9:15 pm
serbia23 says:
wack list shiz KOBE #1 no doubt ask ne player in da leauge and they’ll say kobe hardest player to gaurd one on one plus he can go through like all 5 guys at once way better than lebron ppl just think lebron is better cuz he has better team mates
KOBE for MVP
STOJAKOVIC for best international player
fuck ya haters
Nov.12 at 2:52 am
shinobi says:
1. Kobe
2. Lebron
3. Wade
If u have a different order then u dont know shit about basketball. Woot Woot.
Nov.12 at 3:31 am
Matt says:
Judging by the way this list has been built, the rest is going to be: 3. Kobe
2. Wade
1. LeBron
Nov.12 at 4:01 am
ziad says:
i dont care about the stats, about the rings about all that shit! lebron and wade are to come, now kobe is the best out there! mvp, mvp, mvp! i don t agree on your ranking at all! dirk is a great baller, but he aint shit comparing to tim! he is not better than iverson, he should have been at number 6! iverson at 5 would sounded far better!
for me i see it this way:
1 kobe
2 lebron
3 wade
4 duncan
5 iverson
6 dirk
7 kg
8 shaq
9 carter
10 tmac
11 nash
12 brand
13 kidd
14 yao
15 paul peirce
16 paul gasol
17 dhoward
18 amare
19 matrix
20 bosh
21 allen
22 cp3
23 ben gordon
24 emeka
25 does it really matter!
Nov.12 at 6:51 am
michal says:
I’m ASIAN so Yao is my numero UNO….!!!
Nov.12 at 6:52 am
michal says:
FUCK SLAM if you put KOBE on the 3rd spot!
Nov.12 at 6:54 am
michal says:
FUCK SLAM if you put KOBE on the 3rd spot!!!
Nov.12 at 6:54 am
michal says:
FUCK SLAM if you put KOBE on the 3rd spot! !
Nov.12 at 1:18 pm
shoez_crazy@hotmail.com says:
Yo theres just to many to all read.
But on the reals, that dude you laughed for like 10 minutes cuz SLAM put Dirk better then Tim is a real looser. I mean Duncan’s career is almost out the door, he is hobbled. Dirk has everything TD has + range. If Kobe isn’t number 1….Yo!! MUTINY ON SLAM.
Nov.12 at 1:21 pm
shoez_crazy@hotmail.com says:
Peja best international. “I aint from this parts I’m Stojakovic”. But seriously….your saying peja is better then diggler….
Nov.12 at 3:10 pm
mr.x says:
Gasol is no way near 16 ziad.
Nov.12 at 3:11 pm
mr.x says:
Lebron is better than Wade in almost every aspect of the game. So lebron for mvp.
Nov.12 at 3:21 pm
mr.x says:
20)cp3
19)Yao
18)Kid
17)Howard
16)Tmac\
15)Amare
14)Vince
13)Pierce
12)Gilbert
11)Shaq
10)Martix
9)Brand
8)Nash
7)Nowitzski
6)Duncan
5)Iverson
4)Bosh
3)Wade
2)Lebron
1)Kobe
Nov.12 at 5:22 pm
scott says:
MrX…Stoudemire, O’Neal, Marion, and Bosh are not in the top 15 in the nba for the 06-07 season. Paul, Yao, Howard, and McGrady are too low. Bosh is a great young talent but he is not top five. Here is my top 15 feel free to add comments
15)Paul Pierce
14)Chris Paul
13)Carmelo Anthony
12)Tracy McGrady
11)Dwight Howard
10)Vince Carter
9)Elton Brand
8)Gilbert Arenas
7)Kobe Bryant
6)Yao Ming
5)Steve Nash
4)Dirk Nowitzki
3)Tim Duncan
2)Dwyane Wade
1)Lebron James
Nov.12 at 6:20 pm
PMAC says:
This top 50 doesn’t dis credit the magazine but i agree with shinobi kobe, leBron, wade!
Nov.12 at 6:51 pm
serbia23 says:
YES i am
Nov.12 at 7:01 pm
dave says:
If this list is really about who’s the most important to their respective teams, then even though i’ve disliked him all his career it has to be shaq, kobe got a ring(s) because of shaq, wade got a ring because of shaq, if lebron was traded to miami for wade he’d get his ring this year no doubt,another point ,Does anyone think a Wade led Cavs could beat Lebron,shaq and co. in miami? As for slam’s top three, i think if you asked them if they could have one teammate to ensure winning a ring this year they would all say SHAQ! because he is the most important and most effective player ever to step on the court , even if he’s older and injured , we’ve all known it’s not his skills, but just his power and positioning. And nowadays there isn’t that much competion at the 5 spot,Zo’s on his team, Ewing ,Hakeem, DRobinson are gone making him even more dominant in the paint. But back to my point, Shaq should be at #1 while he can still bounce a ball.Unfortunately, but it’s true.
Nov.12 at 7:32 pm
J-top says:
Dirk pppsssshhhhh
Nov.12 at 8:58 pm
Confucious of Bball says:
Kobe is numero uno. Fuk ya hater. Kobe Kobe Kobe Kobe Kobe.
Nov.12 at 10:28 pm
Chief says:
Kobe is like a bad joke…
Lebron will be number one cause u ask any GM who they would stake their franchise on and it ain’t Shaq, DWade,Kobe it’s Fuckign Lebron. Best all around player since MJ. Unless Kenyon didn’t have his fucking knee he would be number one.
Much Love
THE FUCKING CHIEF
Nov.13 at 12:33 am
Frodo says:
Mr. x and scott, where the hell is KG at?
Nov.13 at 12:39 am
Vince Fan says:
fine i say switch him with ai but what ever
Nov.13 at 1:14 am
relax says:
No.1 S. Oneal.Why??Cause of those rings baby.You play to win.And he does so.Until Kobe,Wade .etc win without him they are not even in top100 even if each of them scores 1000 points in a game.
No.2 T.D.
Nov.13 at 1:30 am
relax says:
And Yeah SKY PEDJA TOP 25 !!!!
Nov.13 at 1:41 am
serbia23 says:
KOBE #1 HATERS
CCCC
Nov.13 at 9:39 am
JG says:
*Sigh*…..alright
- S. O’Neal should absolutely not be number 1, top 20 hell yeah, but he’s lost much more than a step or two. He is no longer the best center in the league.
- Peja shouldn’t even be on this list, he sucks. He’s a one dimensional player and he bitches up WAY too easy.
- FOR GODS SAKE Lamar Odom is not going to win the MVP. He’s a sick player, but with Kobe back, you’re gunna see his digits take a huge dip (unfortunately). He’s still the man though, and I’d love to see him get on an all-star squad.
- WHAT THE HELL is all the Dirk hating for? He’s a perennial all-star, ALL-NBA player. Some all-stars you can call bull *ahem..Vince shouldn’t have as many selections as he has* But a perennial all-nba, perennial MVP contender, that’s no fluke. The man’s good, deal with it
Nov.13 at 12:16 pm
rob stewart says:
next up, Kobe.
Nov.13 at 12:22 pm
Shiz says:
Dirk_Fan: You’re making excuses for your boy. Plain and simple. If anything, being so big helps him and should make it easier for him. He’s a mismatch every time he gets the ball, especially on the wing, cuz he’s always got some slow-footed 4 man guarding him… So then to disguise your dirk excuses you start suckin Wade’s dick…great…I may not know german, but I know basketball… And never once did I say that Dirk was garbage…I just said he’s not the 4th most valuable guy in the league and gave reasons why, so excuse yourself…in german…
Nov.13 at 12:43 pm
Shiz says:
And as far as the Thunder Dan comparison, its like the “if A.I. was 6′6″ he’d be the best player in the world” analogy. If Dirk was 6′6″, he’d be the Thunder Dan Majerle 07 Eddie Buer edtion…. That’s my story, and I’m stickin to it.
Nov.14 at 3:29 am
Paolo says:
Dirk is the type of hybrid whom you have no choice but to like. He has tried to work on his game. From being a Don Nelson punchline to being a superstar/franchise player/MVP-type of player, Dirk’s career has been an inspiration. As a testament to how hard he has worked on his game, the Mavericks hit their stride when the supposedly steadier names and games of michael Finley and Steve nash left the team. Dallas was suppose to revert to their sucking ways. But Dirk Diggler (and Mr. Deeds himself, Mark Cuban) made sure that it happen. A decade ago, everybody was looking for the next Shaq. But there is only one of him. Right now, with the selection of Bargnani as the first Euro-numero uno seleccion as the proof, the league seems to look for the next Dirk. A do-everything hard-to-match-up against monster. Give it a few years, we’ll realize then, as we have realized way back with Shaquille O’Neal, that game-changing and strategy-fucking players like them don’t come often. That’s Dirk Nowitzki for you.
Nov.14 at 1:35 pm
Tripset30 says:
The Mavs are my favorite team in the league and I’ve seen so many of their games over time it’s ridiculous, so I was really waiting for Dirk to pop in. Heregoes though… offensively there’s only a handful of guys in the league that are unstoppable: T-Mac, Kobe, D-Wade, Shaq, and Dirk in my opinion (I might catch some flack for that but I stand by my statement). There’s pretty much no one way to guard Dirk. He can shoot over just about anybody in the league, and he has also developed the ability to rack his man and he even has a good back to the basket game. Yea he shoots alot of fade-aways in the post but for him those are like lay-ups. Name a person who shoots a higher percentage relative to their shot degree of difficulty. I only have two beefs with Dirk. First, he’s improved defensively but still one of the 10 worst defenders in the league. Second, aside from his 29 point 4th quarter outburst against the Suns last year in the playoffs, this man does not show up in the 4th quarter (which is why I feel Jason Terry should have been higher on the list). That being said, name a better player through the first three quarters of a ball game. Top five I think is a good spot for him, and I still think he has several good years ahead of him. BTW, check out jcherot.blogspot.com for more goodies.
Nov.17 at 2:25 pm
zack says:
dirk suck so fuckin bad i think that the saddest dude in the world could beat that sad ass nigga who ever like him is a bitch and he dunk on by marion.
Nov.20 at 12:25 am
Drew says:
Zack might be half right but unless you are 6′0″ with a 57″ vertical I don’t think you can guard Dirk and Im sure Zack understands that the taller you get the less you have to jump and the shorter you are the more you have to jump…Dirk is 7 feet tall and can shoot 70% from three point line in Europe. And a 57 inch vertical means you can pretyy much jump over an adolescent without bending your knees zach…thanks for the comment zach
Dec.4 at 3:44 pm
Erik says:
Nowitzki is probably the most versatile finisher in the game. He can score from everywhere on any given time. No doubt an offensive monster.
What the shit about him being only good in quarters 1 to 3? Pts per quarter for 05-06:
1st: 6,8; 2nd: 6,2; 3rd: 6,8; 4th: 6,8. And he isn’t off in big games, that is garbage (maybe this impression is a result of a selective perception). He is +3,5pts and +2,5rebs in playoff games compared to the reg. season. (25,7pts, 7th all time) Nothing against Iverson, but he’s the greatest brick shooter in the history of this game. At his fire-rate Nowitzki would approach a 40pt avg. If assists weren’t credited so called “King” James would NEVER pass, he’s a stat player, but nevertheless a frickin’ spectacular one. If he really was able to score 81 why doesn’t he do it. By the way, I actually like Wade for his unparalleled agressiveness in getting to the rim. Ok, he has no 3P for a guard and lil’ ol’ Bavetta had him practising ft’s to often in the Finals but that ain’t DW’s fault at all. Sure Dirk looks awkward on D but his J is the most aesthetical and effective in the game. And not to forget his push ability in transition when he grabs a board or a steal and nails a high arching rainbow three on the other end. Oh, and yes, Marion dunked on him, WOW, get an ice cream Shawn, you’re the man! And everlasting loser Tim Thomas called Dirk a pussy and smooched at him. But who made the fifty (including 22 in the 4th)? You haters are so pathetic to repeatedly jerk off on such a lame scene. PS:@ Drew, Dirk doesn’t shot 70 pct. from 3p in europe, it’s around 39. But he attempts almost 9 a game in international contests.
Apr.24 at 8:27 pm
Shea says:
you guys are all ridiculous, dirk is amazing, ya’ll are just jealous of him and his sexyness
May.11 at 1:01 pm
Andy says:
Dirk is highly overrated. Anyone who voted for him as league MVP this year has egg on their face that will be tough to explain or scrub off.
Dirk Nowitzki = Choke Artist
Jun.18 at 2:15 am
dirk's wife says:
dirk is aaaaaaawwwwesomme. i am his number one fan, for sure and he rocks. and he is hott. and the is the MVP.
hes the total package :]]
Feb.7 at 3:06 pm
Mike Mavs Fan says:
I think Dirk should have been in the top five or top ten. Of the best power forwards in the leage(Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett). Tim Duncan is the only person i would say is better then Dirk because he has four championships now, but stat wise Dirk is better then both of them. His career stats average for the past 4 to 6 seasons have been better then Tims and Kevins. Put them in one on one games i think Tim Duncan is too slow and not a real good shooter. Kevin Garnett would fair a little better but still isnt as good a shooter as Dirk. I think Duncan should have been higher then Dirk because of the championships. If Duncan didnt have all of those championships hands down Dirk is better. Time duncan doesnt have an out side shot with out using the glass. Kevin is almost like Dirk but a better inside game but a weaker shot.
PS And Lebron cant throw up 81 points if he wanted too. He is just not the great of a shooter.Lebron is a 32% shooter from the arc and a meager 72% from the line. Thats not going to get you 81. Kobe is just a bit better at 35% from the arc and he is 83 % from the line. If I need a big shot to win the game i would rather give it to Kobe. Lebron isnt that great of a shooter. Take away the dunks and lay ups from both guys Kobe can still shoot the ball from all over the place at best lebron is a good mid range jump shooter.
Sep.28 at 12:23 am
Johnny says:
Timbo says:
Your point? Kobe has three titles..Wade had Shaq..so did Kobe. If LeBron had Shaq last year he gets that ring. And, don’t give me that crap about Shaq being old..he still demanded doubles, and ate up mad space…which in entailed opened Wade’s game. LOOK! Kobe is a 6′6 version of Wade(as he can do all Wade can do, and more), and LeBron is simply just plain better than Wade son..Now that’s a fact b! School’s out!”……………………………………………… NO NO NO NO NO!!! No Timmy, you got it wrong……. Yes Wade had Shaq backing him up as his sidekick, but Kobe did NOT have Shaq…. SHAQ HAD KOBE as his sidekick. Big difference, see how that went?