[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 64 (Friday, April 12, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E461]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CELEBRATING THE CAREER OF DALLAS MAVERICKS LEGEND DIRK NOWITZKI

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                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 12, 2019

  Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, after 21 seasons as the face of 
the Dallas Mavericks, Dirk Nowitzki played his final game in Dallas. 
Since he arrived as a 19 year-old from Germany, Dirk has transformed 
the game of basketball and led the Mavericks to unparalleled success.
  He has earned the respect of fans and fellow players alike over the 
course of his record-setting career. In his early days in the NBA, 
however, he faced great adversity. But his resilience and determination 
proved too strong for any negativity. Dirk's leadership and great play 
culminated in a championship run in 2011. Because of his MVP 
performance, a championship banner now hangs in the American Airlines 
Center, which I can see from my District Office in Dallas. This 
building, which was the setting for many of Dirk's greatest games and 
most memorable moments, will forever be known as ``the house that Dirk 
built.''
  His accolades on the court are many--15 appearances in the NBA 
Playoffs, a 14-time NBA All-Star, a 12-time All-NBA team member, one of 
only eight players to score 30,000 points, a regular season MVP award, 
a Finals MVP award, and an NBA Championship. But the true measure of 
the man is what he has done off the court. For years, he has visited 
Children's Hospital as ``Uncle Dirk'' to give ill children and their 
families fond memories and glimmers of happiness. Never with fanfare, 
never with TV cameras chronicling his generous deeds, Dirk gave of 
himself out of the goodness of his heart and character. For as much as 
we have enjoyed his iconic three-pointers and fade-away jumpers, he has 
given us so much more. In addition to being one of the greatest 
athletes to ever play in Dallas, Dirk Nowitzki is one of the best human 
beings to play in Dallas.
  Madam Speaker, no one embodies the big, beautiful, diverse city of 
Dallas better than Dirk Nowitzki. Like me, he wasn't born in Dallas but 
made it his home, and we are grateful that he did. As he retires from 
professional basketball, we are delighted that he will always be a part 
of what makes Dallas great, and I wish my friend and his family the 
best in the days and years ahead.

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