TheMarathonContinues
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Dirk had some great players throughout the years. It wasn’t the players it was the coach. Don Nelson was just trying to outscore teams. Probably because he felt like he had to with Nash and Dirk on the floor.Regarding the players you mentioned, you’re overlooking their hall of fame teammates. Malone had Julius Erving. Kareem and Magic Johnson played on the same team with Michael Cooper. Bird played on a super team with Parish, McHale, Johnson, and the last two years of Bill Walton (I’m certain I’m missing some players here). Jordan won championships with Scottie Pippen, Rodman, and Toni Kukoc. Kobe Bryant had Shaquille O’Neal for most of his championships. He also won rings with Paul Gasol. When Shaq left LA he won one with Wade. LeBron James had a super team in Miami with Wade and Bosh, won one with a younger Kyrie Irving in Cleveland, and then got another championship with Anthony Davis during the NBA COVID bubble. Duncan had Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker, and David Robinson for his championships. Stephen Curry had a healthy Thompson, Green, and Durant.
On the other hand, Dirk Nowitzki never had a supporting cast like the players you mentioned. The greatest player Dirk played with was Steve Nash (who Cuban famously let walk). Dirk won his championship with an aging Jason Kidd and Shawn Marion. Jason Terry was probably the second-best player on the team. If you put Dirk on the Lakers or any of the teams above, how would you judge him then?
Mavs had some great teams they just always lacked that interior.