Nowitzki: “Germany is the world champion, not the NBA champions”

The opinion that only the team that conquers it can be called world champion World Cup and not the one who takes the championship at NBA expressed the Dirk Nowitzki speaking to Basketnews.

“Yes, I would like to say both but, obviously Germany 2023 are real world champions. We fought for a long time to win the NBA championship, but let’s leave the title of World Champion to others. The NBA is the best league in the world and when you win it you call yourself a World Champion. It’s not technically a World Championship. I played in both FIBA ​​and NBA. I don’t think there’s a good argument for this, but I think NBA champions should just be called NBA Champions and World Cup winners should be called World Champions“, emphasized the legend of the NBA and German basketball.

Asked to build the best 3X3 team he said: “I’m a big fan of Michael Jordan. He was my hero growing up so I had to choose him. You can’t go wrong with LeBron James, I love Kevin Durant. He can score inside, he can score outside, he’s tall, he can mark. The size counts in 3X3 due to the many switches, so it’s a bit difficult to go with smaller guards».

Nowitzki also gave his opinion on who would win in a game between Germany’s 2024 Olympic team or the early 2000s team that won EuroBasket and World Cup medals. “We had a good team but the current one is quite strong, I would say the best team Germany has ever had. They have playmakers, shooters, athleticism, they are strong defensively… I’m not sure my team would have a chance to win“, he pointed out.

The Mavericks legend also broke down Nikola Jokic’s fadeaway technique: “He does it from the right side and jumps off his right foot, which I could never do. I’ve always felt more comfortable jumping off my left foot and turning the other shoulder, it’s a tough shot but his game is amazing».