Fansided

Every NBA team’s greatest shooter of all time

By Brandon Jefferson

OAKLAND, CA - 1995: Kenny Smith #30 of the Houston Rockets stretches against the Portland Trail Blazers during a game played circa 1995 at the Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1995 NBAE (Photo by Brad Mangin/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - 1995: Kenny Smith #30 of the Houston Rockets stretches against the Portland Trail Blazers during a game played circa 1995 at the Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1995 NBAE (Photo by Brad Mangin/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 12: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks sits on the bench in front of owner Mark Cuban during the game with the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on April 12, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. The Mavericks won 120-106. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 12: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks sits on the bench in front of owner Mark Cuban during the game with the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on April 12, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. The Mavericks won 120-106. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /

Dallas Mavericks: Dirk Nowitzki

Nowadays if any player catches the ball in the post with a smaller defender on them the play will likely end with the offensive player taking a fade away jump shot off one leg. Therein lies the legacy of Dirk Nowitzki.

The “Dirk” as it is commonly known and referred to is a staple of any top tier wing and stretch big’s post arsenal. However, many have replicated it, but none make it look as good as Nowitzki does.

The 7-foot German truly revitalized the way power forwards could play the game. Nowitzki played mostly on the perimeter and his ability to hit shots from outside forced defenses away from the paint and opened things for himself and his teammates.

His numbers back up just how great and unique he has been since entering the league in 1998. Nowitzki is sixth all-time (and the highest scoring international player to date) in points scored with 30,260 total. He is also the active leader in made free throws and made field goals.

A former MVP and 13-time All-Star also led the Mavericks to an upset of the newly formed LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh “Heatles” trio in the 2011 NBA Finals, where he took home Finals MVP honors as well.

Before coming over to the NBA there had not been a player like Dirk. His shot might be duplicated, but the player will never be. The Hall of Fame (and a to be announced role in the Mavericks organization) await Nowitzki when he decides to call it quits.

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