Dirk Nowitzki Says He Modeled Rookie Habits After Lakers Ironman A.C. Green
dirk-nowitzki-modeled-rookie-habits-after-lakers-ironman-ac-green
Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki credits former Los Angeles Lakers forward A.C. Green for shaping the way he approached training and durability during his first NBA season with the Dallas Mavericks in 1998.
Speaking with Mike Curtis of the Dallas Morning News, Nowitzki recalled that Green, then a 38-year-old veteran, immediately became his example of professionalism. “He played with the Showtime Lakers and was an ultimate pro,” Nowitzki said. “He had the longest Ironman streak. He was on the team my first year and I was just watching him… I watched his every move in practice. How does he prepare? Does he stretch?”
Green’s résumé made him an ideal mentor. The forward captured three NBA championships with the Lakers—two alongside Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and James Worthy in the late 1980s, and another with Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal in 2000. He also holds the league’s record for consecutive games played at 1,192, missing only three contests in his second season before embarking on the historic run.
Although Nowitzki never matched Green’s streak, the German star remained durable throughout a 21-year career. He appeared in fewer than 70 games just five times, with two of those seasons shortened by league lockouts.
Roster Implications in Los Angeles
The report also noted that, following Luka Doncic’s recent contract extension in Los Angeles, the Lakers could be more willing to take on long-term salary in future trades if the right opportunity arises.
Source: Lakers Nation
