Dirk Nowitzki, one of the NBA’s greatest players, has opened up about his life post-retirement and the transition from being a basketball icon to a man exploring new chapters. In a recent interview, the German legend shared that during the first two years after his retirement in 2019, he intentionally distanced himself from basketball. He explained that he didn’t check the scores of NBA games, including those of his former team, the Dallas Mavericks.
“I didn’t check the scores, not even the Mavs’ games,” Nowitzki admitted. The decision to step away from basketball for a while was part of his personal process of detachment, giving him the space to reflect and focus on other aspects of life. It was a decision to fully unplug, especially after two decades of playing the sport at the highest level.
For Nowitzki, the early years after retirement were about rediscovering life outside of basketball. He spent much of that time focusing on his family, traveling, and exposing his children to different cultures and languages. His wife, a native of Sweden and Kenya, has also played a role in shaping the family’s global outlook. Nowitzki wanted his children to experience the world and gain a broader perspective, an opportunity he didn’t always have during his years of intense professional commitments.
However, as time went on, Nowitzki found himself reconnecting with the game. Slowly, he started to watch NBA games again, and notably, his children also began to take an interest in basketball. “Now I’m obviously watching for sure all the Mavs’ games when I can. I’m watching more again. And my kids are also starting to watch more and get excited about the NBA,” he shared, reflecting on the evolution of his relationship with the sport post-retirement.
Looking ahead, Nowitzki is preparing for his next step in the basketball world. He is set to make a return to the NBA scene, not as a player, but as an analyst starting in the 2025/26 season. This new role marks an exciting new chapter for the German giant, who has always been passionate about the game and its impact on the global sports landscape.
Nowitzki’s candid reflections on retirement illustrate the balance between stepping away to explore life beyond basketball and the inevitable pull back to the game that shaped his entire life. Whether it’s through his personal growth or a renewed connection with basketball, Nowitzki’s journey continues to inspire fans and fellow players alike.
