Rio Olympics 2016: Dirk Nowitzki To Reconsider Retirement From German National Team Duties?
When Germany was defeated by Spain in a close 77-76 game, Dirk Nowitzki played his final game for the Men's German National Basketball Team. The Germans finished fifth in Group B as they only won one and lost four. The top four of each of the four groups will qualify for the Round of 16, per a report from EuroBasket 2015.
Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schröder missed a free throw with three seconds left, as they fail to force overtime. Nowitzki said goodbye to the crowd in Berlin, which hosted Group B of EuroBasket 2015. The fans showered the 2011 Finals MVP with a huge ovation as he started to walk off the court.
According to FOX Sports, this was the 37-year-old's seventh and final EuroBasket with the German National Team. The Dallas Mavericks legend had 10 points on 3-6 shooting as he was not played as much as he wanted. At his age, Dirk accepted the fact that he cannot play five games in six days.
"Before the tournament had began [sic] I had said that it was very difficult for me, at 37, to play five games in six days, and that if the tournament hadn't taken place in Germany I wouldn't have played. But, since it was held in Berlin, in front of the same fans who have been cheering me on my whole life, this was a way for me to thank them. I'm grateful for their support in these games too," Nowitzki told Euro Hoops.
But after crying and saying goodbye to his German fans, Dirk will have a chance to play again for the national team as Germany has a shot on hosting a pre-Olympics tournament next summer. In the same interview with Euro Hoops, the 2007 NBA MVP said that he may play if they qualify for the pre-Olympics tournament.
"I thought this was going to be my last appearance. But I was told that there is a chance we might get a wildcard for the pre-Olympics tournament. We have to wait and see if we get together as a national team once again next summer," the 7'0'' German said.
"For me, in any case, this was the end. It was very emotional. I am very tired. I left everything I had on that court. We didn't make it and I'm really disappointed. I apologise to the people. I didn't play as well as I should have in this tournament, like the people were expecting me to," Nowitzki added.
He also said that he will cherish his final game in the German uniform. He said via Euro Hoops, "All those moments I experienced after the game were beautiful. I had so many strong emotions. It was a fantastic moment that I'll remember forever."
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