NBA Rumors: 5 reasons Dirk Nowitzki should sign with Cavaliers

By John Buhler | Jun 21, 2016

Apr 6, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) argues a call with the referees during the second half against the Houston Rockets at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeat the Rockets 88-86. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

4 of 6

Apr 16, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Enes Kanter (11) passes the ball defended by Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) during the second quarter in game one of their first round NBA Playoff series at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

3. No issue that Nowitzki is not great defensively

Here’s the biggest criticism of Nowitzki’s Hall of Fame career: he’s never been a great defensive player at any point of his career. Dallas usually reflects Nowitzki’s skill set in its team’s construction: great offensively, mediocre on defense.

While Dallas did have a strong defense in 2010-11 when the Mavericks won the NBA Finals thanks to a career year from center Tyson Chandler, defensive ineptitude remains a burdensome Achilles’ Heel for Dallas’ chances at another NBA Championship in the Nowitzki era.

Though an NBA Champion typically has to be top five defensively to win it all, Cleveland proved that a team can win a championship with defensive dysfunctionality in the pace and space era. The Cavaliers were maybe top half in defense in 2015-16. Golden State was a top four team on that end of the floor, but ultimately came up a game short.

Should Nowitzki re-sign with Dallas, he won’t have to play great defense, but the Mavericks again won’t get out of the first round of the Western Conference Playoffs. If he goes to Golden State, head coach Steve Kerr would demand Nowitzki play great defense, something he was reluctant in doing in his prime.

Now if he picks Cleveland, he can still win at an elite level without having to give extra effort on the defensive end of the floor. The Cavaliers are skilled enough offensively and on the glass to not be a sound defensive team and still contend for a championship. If Nowitzki wants to shoot, not play defense, and possibly play for another NBA Championship, it’ll be hard to overlook the potentially ideal fit for him in Cleveland.

Next: 2. Easier path to NBA Finals in the Eastern Conference.

Home/Cleveland Cavaliers