Dirk Nowitzki to compete in 2016 Olympics qualifier

May 2, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) during the game against the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Spurs 113-111. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Dallas Mavericks owner Marc Cuban has expressed his dissatisfaction over international competitions such as the FIBA World Cup and the Olympics in the past. He doesn’t like the fact that he, nor the NBA, profits from allowing its players to compete in them. He doesn’t like that players take risks in participating in extra practices and playing those extra games during the offseason.

When Indiana Pacers star Paul George suffered a season-ending injury, Cuban’s concerns were seemingly affirmed. However, according to the Deutsche Welle (via probasketballtalk.com), Cuban has given Dirk Nowitzki his permission to compete in the 2016 Olympic qualifier.

"According to reports from the German newspaper SportBild, Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, has given Germany’s NBA superstar Dirk Nowitzki permission to take part in basketball’s 2015 European Championships. After being asked whether he would be allowed to return to the national team, the 36-year-old Nowitzki answered with “Yes.”At the European Championships, Germany will play their group games in Berlin, with the final rounds to be played in Lille, France. The tournament is focused on qualification for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, which is Nowitzki’s great goal. The 2011 NBA champion has played 141 international games in his thus far successful career. His greatest achievement with the national team was a bronze medal at the 2002 World Championship."

Technically, Cuban cannot ban Dirk from participating. But with Nowitzki and his team owner being so tight, it makes sense he would seek it before trying to lead Germany into the Olympics.

Germany’s chances are far from a sure thing even with Nowitzki, but the 2011 champion is well known for his German pride. It makes sense he would do whatever he could to help his country compete on the world stage.

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