Dirk Nowitzki finally breaks deafening Mavericks silence after Luka Doncic trade
When the Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Doncic on February 1, they weren't just turning a cold shoulder to Doncic; they were also blindsiding everyone who was close to him, whether those people were inside or outside the Mavericks organization or not. What hurt many long-time Mavericks fans more deeply than anything was seeing the shock and despair from franchise legend Dirk Nowitzki.
Reports even surfaced that Nowitzki was as distant as ever from the Mavericks following the trade, especially since Nico Harrison and company removed tons of people from Dallas' organization that worked both closely with Doncic and Nowitzki throughout their time in Dallas.
However, Nowitzki recently took to the DLLS Mavs podcast to shower the Mavericks with praise. When host Kevin Grey Jr. asked Nowitzki about his thoughts on the Mavericks next season, he responded with, "If they're healthy, they're one of the deepest teams in the league next season."
Nowitzki thinks Mavs will be one of the 'deepest' teams in the league
Nowitzki went on to elaborate that Dallas has great positional depth and thinks they could be especially dangerous once Kyrie Irving returns, so it's without a doubt that he doesn't think the Mavericks are nearly as bad as some individuals in the national media have been saying. While Nowitzki is no longer an advisor for the Mavericks and will be talking about them objectively, given his new role in Amazon Prime's NBA coverage, it's clear he still follows the Mavericks closely, given his analysis.
This proves Nowitzki will always hold the Mavericks close to his heart, regardless if ownership and management have changed drastically ever since he arrived to Dallas in 1998. Even though the Mavericks have done everything in their power to try and dissuade Nowitzki from still being a fan, considering they traded a fellow European superstar and dear friend in Doncic, Nowitzki went out of his way to join a Mavericks podcast during the driest period of NBA news, proving his loyalty will never fade away.
Nowitzki's legacy is etched in bronze outside the American Airlines Center forever, but fans may never see a superstar like him in Dallas again, as the Doncic trade proves just how insanely rare it is for a team to have a franchise centerpiece throughout the entire course of their career. The Mavericks should feel blessed that Nowitzki still clearly follows the organization closely, even if he isn't in an advisor role any longer.
Many fans have long wanted Nowitzki to join Dallas' front office or coaching staff at some point, but at this stage in his life, it's completely understandable not to want to take on such an extensive role, as he's given his all to the game of basketball. Maybe one day Nowitzki could reprise a role in Dallas' front office when Harrison is no longer in charge, but for now, Mavericks fans will be happy over the fact that he simply enjoys and still keeps track of the franchise.
Braves claim $4M reliever off waivers from Dodgers — brother of Atlanta's most-hated rival
The Atlanta Braves are just trying to make it to the end of the regular season after the worst one they have had in several years. The Braves are expected to make numerous changes to the roster next season, and some moves are already underway with waiver additions. Additionally, manager Brian Snitker is expected to retire at the end of the season.
“Because of that consistent recent success, Snit would normally be afforded a ‘mulligan’ year—even though going from the second-best preseason World Series odds to possibly the third-best odds of winning the draft lottery is a pretty serious mulligan,” Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller wrote. “At 69, though, he's already the oldest manager in the National League by a several-year margin and was likely to retire at the end of this season, which is the last one in his current contract.”
The Braves are still adding to the team this season, focusing mostly on pitching, as Atlanta has struggled to keep players healthy. On Sunday, they claimed Alexis Diaz off waivers.
“The Braves have claimed Alexis Diaz off waivers from the Dodgers, according to David O’Brien of The Athletic. Atlanta has space available on its 40-man roster, so no corresponding move is necessary to bring Diaz into the organization,” MLBtraderumors.com’s Nick Deeds wrote.
Diaz was just released by the defending World Series Champion Dodgers earlier in the week.
“The Dodgers announced that they have selected the contract of catcher Ben Rortvedt, a move that was previously reported. In corresponding moves, they optioned infielder Alex Freeland and designated right-hander Alexis Díaz for assignment,” MLBtraderumors.com’s Darragh McDonald wrote.
