Nike Basketball News

Dirk Nowitzki: Loyalty Rewarded

tonyhellberg1 — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 14:46:43 GMT

His coach called him a Top-10 player. Not just right now, mind you.

Of all-time.

The media wanted to shrug. They’d heard such praise tossed around before. Yes, he’d been a perennial All-Star. An All-NBAer. Maybe the best non-sports car export ever created in Germany. Perhaps even: the best shooter in the league’s modern era.

But Miami had the biggest of Big 3s. And they were finally on their championship verge, ready to deliver on nearly a year’s worth of hype.

For more than a decade, Dirk Nowitzki had amazed the masses with his shooting skills. And in this championship series, that did not change. In fact, several @nikebasketball followers remarked that his NBA 2k12 free throw rating will be a perfect 100.

The self-proclaimed “Tall Baller from the G!” seemed like he would never miss.

But the basketball universe got something else in between the endless parade of free throw line makes, rainbow jumpers and one-footed fadeaways. Fans hardcore and casual, opponents brute and gritty and fast and long, even fellow Mavericks in his own locker room watched the big German ascend to a level beyond even the one reached during the 2006-07 regular season - the one that ended with Dirk being named league MVP.

A level where numbers refuse to tell the whole story. Where greatness cannot be measured - not even by historic shooting precedent. When judgement passed on a player becomes a feeling, clutch bleeding into superiority. And fans sitting courtside, in the nosebleeds or in their own living rooms watching on big screen TVs not only know who’s getting the ball when the game’s on the line, they believe the outcome has already been decided - before the ball is even in flight.

On the opening night of the 2011-12 season, a banner will be unveiled at American Airlines Center and the Dallas players will receive their championship rings.

As the 2011 Finals MVP, Dirk will be the last name called. He will undoubtedly receive eardrum-busting cheers. And forever forward, no one will ever be able to shrug when Dirk Nowitzki’s name is mentioned among the all-time greats.

The Collection: Dirk Nowitzki Playoff Edition Hyperdunk 2010

tonyhellberg1 — Sat, 28 May 2011 09:20:23 GMT

There’s a moment every defender dreads. One where they realize no matter how well they’ve guarded their man, a shot is about to be fired.

This moment - and this player - is subtle. A quirky mix of herky-jerky and ballet.

Supported by a pivot point in the forefoot that’s ideal for decisive movement in any direction. Assisted further by a solid rubber herringbone pattern that delivers excellent traction and durability.

Translation: the step-back is happening, it will happen again - and there’s nothing you can do to stop it.

If the regular season is a grind, consider each game of the playoffs magnified at least ten times. Every round a unique challenge; every game a new spotlight.

Dirk is chasing the chip in his Playoff Edition Hyperdunk 2010.

One shot. Off one foot. One unstoppable go-to move at a time.

The Collection: Dirk Nowitzki Player Edition Hyperdunk 2010

tonyhellberg1 — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 21:02:25 GMT

Superior performance: on that 50/40/90 line.

An injection of next-generation Flywire technology; a 7-footer dramatically ahead of his time.

Speed - without sacrificing support and comfort.

Like the scorer who tells his teammates, “This rebound is mine.”

The Hyperdunk 2010 was designed for responsive cushioning on every launch and landing. So the mid-top sneaker has Dirk’s back as the Mavs turn the Western Conference playoff race into their personal high-rise.

The Collection WBF: Dirk Nowitzki Hyperdunk 2010

tonyhellberg1 — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 17:07:16 GMT

Today, Germany lays claim to a Top-10 FIBA ranking. But the road to trading elbows in the post as one of the world’s finest international basketball teams is more than a generation in the making.
Rewind:

A desolate scene: German basketball, the final decade of the 20th century rapidly approaching. The country had reunified, sure - but most of its truly elite players were focused on the rigors of making it in the NBA.

Like most of the rest of the basketball-viewing world, young Germans were amazed by the United States’ “Dream Team” in 1992. And by that time, a young Dirk Nowitzki was already being challenged to define himself.

The son of internationally and professionally acclaimed athletes, Dirk chose to dig in. Already literally on the rise - standing a foot or more above his classmates - Dirk began working tirelessly to mold himself into an international superstar.

Dirk introduced one of the most unique skill-sets in NBA history on his way to near-annual appearances at All-Star Weekend and the All-NBA teams. He collected the 2007 NBA MVP award by leading Dallas to the NBA Finals.

Success followed in his native land as well. Germany’s first World Championship and EuroBasket medals in more than a decade coincided with Dirk’s MVP honors at the respective tournaments.

And for the first time since that new generation of German ballers were drawn to the “Dream Team”: a Summer Olympics appearance in Beijing.

Introducing:

The Germany National Team Hyperdunk 2010 and the Dirk Nowitzki WBF Player Edition.

All-Star Round-Up: Dallas Mavericks and Cleveland Cavaliers

tonyhellberg1 — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 20:15:53 GMT

The 2010 Eastern and Western Conference NBA All-Star starters will be announced on Thursday, January 21 - right before a game between the Lakers and the Cavaliers. One week later, on January 28, the remaining All-Stars will be named, after the the results of each conference's coaches vote are announced.  nikebasketball.com will be taking a look at players from all over the league, and stating the case on why specific players have earned a vote from the coaches.

Dallas Mavericks

Dirk Nowitzki

Season stats: 25.2 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 39.1% 3PT FG

Another season of stellar all-around play from the Mavs’ go-to guy has the team within a short win streak of the West’s top seed. As it stands, they’re dead even with Denver for No. 2 - just a handful of Ws behind the Lakers. If that’s somewhat of a surprise - and based on a lot of preseason prognosticators, it is - then Dirk deserves a hearty pat on the back. After all, his decade-long stretch as the league’s best-shooting big isn’t. Top-10 in scoring, free throws made and attempted and defensive rebounding. A dozen double-doubles. That 50/40/90 shooting neighborhood once again. And more than a block and a steal per.

Cleveland Cavaliers

LeBron James

Season stats: 29.6 PPG, 7.7 APG, 7.1 RPG

How does the defending MVP raise the bar? Through the continued expansion of his game at both ends of the floor. Check. Furthering his role as a leader, keeping the machine running at maximum velocity by incorporating a slew of new parts. Check. Oh - and by turning fastbreak DEFENSE into must-see TV. Check, check, check. Second in scoring. Seventh in assists. The only player even approaching that 30/7/7 line. Career-high shooting percentages across the board. 13 double-doubles. 2 triple-doubles. And a league-wide danger alert: after a somewhat slow beginning, the revved-up Cavs’ are now fighting for the league’s best record.

Mo Williams

Season stats: 16.7 PPG, 5.0 APG, 42.7% 3PT FG

One of the most integral parts to the Cavs’ attack, Mo’s stone-cold swagger is a big reason they’re the only team playing .667 ball home AND away. The Cav’s second-leading scorer and distributor is 42 games into proving last year’s All-Star appearance was no fluke. Mo currently shoots among the league’s Top-10 from both long distance and the charity stripe.

Play With Heart Moments: November 3, 2009

TheLetterJ — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:11:26 GMT

Three players Played With Heart, leading their teams to impressive victories on Tuesday night.

Dirk Nowitzki set a franchise record, scoring 29 points in the fourth quarter alone to lead Dallas on a furious comeback over Utah, 96-85. Dallas was trailing Utah 67-52 entering the fourth quarter before Dallas' offense started firing on all cylinders. Dirk would finish up with 40 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 5 blocks. That's Playing With Heart

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Rasheed Wallace had his best game of the season, coming off the bench to score 20 points, shooting a red-hot 6 of 8 from behind the arc. His play helped Boston stay undefeated, beating Philadelphia 105-74.

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Dallas wasn't the only team coming back from a big deficit to get a W. Chicago's Luol Deng set a career high with 20 rebounds -- 7 on the offensive glass -- to go along his with 24 points as his team came back to beat Milwaukee, 83-81.

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What Play With Heart moments did you see on Tuesday?

The Collection: Playoff Pack

Hotnix — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 09:03:15 GMT

This past weekend marked the beginning of the second season, and after 82 grueling games each team faces their greatest challenge. There's no better way for the league's best players to refresh their game than with the new Nike Basketball Playoff Pack.

This playoff stretch puts these teams’ physical, mental and emotional fortitude to the test until one by one the weakest links fall. To give them that extra edge, Nike introduced revamped versions of their elite basketball shoes for the most elite players in the game. Each shoe is emblazoned with a unique logo designed specifically for Kobe, LeBron, Tony Parker and Dirk Nowitzki. And even though they just nearly missed the cut, there’s even some new kicks for Amare Stoudemire and Steve Nash.

The Black Mamba’s approach to this postseason is influenced by his team’s loss in last year’s Finals matchup with Boston. To give him that extra edge to push for the ring the Zoom Kobe IV gets a makeover with a sleek black, white and gold colorway. His unique crest features Mamba, a chess board pattern for his strategic approach to the game, and three interlocked rings symbolizing his wife and daughters that drive him to greatness.

LeBron James is facing his fourth playoff run, but this time he’s a different man with a greater determination and a stronger team behind him. To prepare him for the battle ahead the Zoom Soldier III is lighter and faster, helping him step ahead of his competition. And to celebrate his lifelong love for the game his crest features a nod to his high school Mr. Basketball Ohio honors, a pattern that represents the milk crate that was his first hoop, and the lion head that symbolizes his ferocity and ascent to the throne.

Tony Parker led his Spurs Saturday, putting up 24 points and 8 assists in their tough loss against their hungry Texas rival Mavericks. But the war is not lost, and he’ll be back on his feet tonight rocking the remixed Zoom Flightclub. Modeled after the Zoom Flight 98, the upper is sheathed in a cool white perforated skin for snug lockdown. His Playoff crest features his “TP9″ logo, a Make-a-Wish inspired graphic and a nod to France with the Eiffel Tower.

The Dallas Mavericks are riding high off their 105-97 opening playoff win over the Spurs, largely due to Dirk Nowitzki’s powerful presence on the floor. And he’s riding nice in the new playoff edition of the Nike Air Max Spot Up. The all white upper features a perfed toe box, a black heel cup, Max Air in the rear sole, and Dallas blue accents. To cap it off, his crest features his unique Dirk logo, his jersey number and the majestic German eagle graphic.

Even though Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire won’t be playing in the postseason, they can still style with their special edition Zoom MVPs and Foamposit Lights.

The Foamposite Light gets a Stoudemire retouching in a pearl white with subtle tribal design and black outsole, with flashes of purple on the laces, inner lining, swoosh, tongue and heel strap. His personalized crest features his STAT logo, the moon and sea icon for Forceand the God is King symbol of hope.

And to round out the collection, Steve Nash’s Zoom MVP comes in the cool playoff white with black outsole and the Phoenix orange accenting the black swoosh, tongue, laces and inner lining. His crest sits bold on the heel with the signature Steve Nash logo, the jagged web of the Trash Talk stitching, and the 60 Million Dollar Man graphic from his most recent commercial.

Check out the entire collection at House of Hoops locations now.

House of Hoops by Foot Locker
New York
268 West 125th Street
NY, NY 10027
(212) 316-1667

House of Hoops by Foot Locker
Los Angeles
Beverly Center Mall - 6th Floor
8500 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(310) 854-0071

House of Hoops by Foot Locker
Chicago
North Riverside Park Mall
7501 W Cermak Rd
Riverside, IL 60546
(708) 447-2060

The Family: Versus

Hotnix — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:42:42 GMT

Heading into the final stretch it’s clear who the top teams are. But one of the toughest battles will be fought for that 8th and final position in the West. Sunday Dallas and Phoenix make their last drive for the post season.

Phoenix is a team in search of an identity. Formerly known the fastest team in the league, the Suns have slowed their pace this season as they’ve struggled to reshape their offense around their new big man. And even though the future hall-of-fame center has had some big nights, the team has yet to settle into a groove and return to dominance in the West. Led by their fleet-footed floor general Steve Nash, they have 40 wins and 34 losses and sit just 3 ½ games out of that final seat in the Western conference playoffs.

A short time ago the Dallas Mavericks seemed unstoppable. In 2006 they brought home the conference title and in ’07 they locked up the Division title. But as the Lakers have taken over the crown in the West, the Mavs have struggled this year to regain their footing. With the return of their legendary point guard came a hope that the team would quickly improve, but as they continue to work out the kinks they’ve landed a record of 43 wins and 30 losses. Dirk Nowitzki, the 2007 league MVP, has been the team’s rock for years and their playoff run rests squarely on his shoulders.

These two Western powerhouses go head-to-head Sunday afternoon at 3:30pm ET.

NBA Regular Season

Monday, March 30

Orlando vs. Miami @ 7:30pm ET

Wednesday, April 1

Detroit vs. Cleveland @ 7:00pm ET

Thursday, April 2

Utah vs. Denver @ 10:30pm ET

Friday, April 3

Denver vs. Dallas @ 8:30pm ET

Sunday, April 5

Phoenix vs. Dallas @ 3:30pm ET

The Family: Versus

Hotnix — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 19:00:11 GMT

The battle for Kings of the Lone Star State is heating up this season as Dallas, ranked #7 in the Western conference, faces off Tuesday night against the #8 San Antonio Spurs.

As a regular contender for the West's top team, recent injuries have plagued the San Antonio Spurs' key players this season. But things are turning around as their go-to guys start to get healthy again. Manu Ginobili, coming off of ankle and heel surgery that benched him for their first 12 games, made his return November 24th. Averaging 13.6 points per game, he's led them to victory in 5 of their last 7 games.

After lighting up Minnesota for 55 points, 10 assists and 7 rebounds in a double-overtime victory November 5th, Tony Parker was benched for several weeks with an ankle sprain. But since his return November 28th, he's brought fire back to the squad while averaging 22.9 points and 6.4 rebounds.

The Maverick's are finding an early groove, winning 9 of their past 10 games. Dirk Nowitzki continues to lead the squad with his unstoppable inside and outside attack. After serving Phoenix with a 39 point game December 4th (his second for the season) he's ranked forth in the league in scoring.

NBA Regular Season

Tuesday, December 9

San Antonio vs. Dallas @ 8:30pm ET

Wednesday, December 10

Phoenix vs. L.A. Lakers @ 10:30pm ET

Thursday, December 11

Portland vs. Utah @ 10:30pm ET

Friday, December 5

Philadelphia vs. Cleveland @ 7:30pm ET

Saturday, December 6

Cleveland vs. Atlanta @ 7:00pm ET

The Competition: Dirk Nowitzki

GHarty — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:36:56 GMT

Dirk Nowitzki fought to put German basketball on the map. This year, he’s fighting for something else: the chance to put his team at the top of the winner’s podium.

Dirk Nowitzki is the standard by which all German players are measured. He’s revolutionized the role of the big man, with power on the inside and the magic touch from way outside. He’s reached heights in basketball that few players, German or otherwise, have attained. But for all of the success he’s had professionally, he’s yet to get his hands on international gold.

As a teen, Dirk developed his game in relative obscurity, playing for the German ball club DJK Wurzburg. Over the next few years, he became a young star on the team, winning the German Basketballer of the Year award. He had a big year in 1996 when he headlined the German Under-22 National Team, German National Junior Team, European Junior Select Team and the World Junior Team.

He later participated in several Nike tournaments and exhibitions, putting his talents on display for colleges and scouts for the first time. Dirk got the opportunity to go one-on-one with the legendary Charles Barkley, dunking over the top of the future Hall of Famer. His Nike Hoops Summit performance sent a buzz through universities and pro teams across Europe and in the U.S.

Soon, against all odds, this determined young German found himself joining the ranks of the NBA.

His rookie season with the Dallas Mavericks was a difficult one, as he battled against veteran players in a new arena. But each summer, determined as always, he continued to develop his skills in the German league. He made his senior national team debut at the FIBA European championships in 1999, leading the team in scoring and cementing his place as the team’s star. But even with his amazing game, Germany faltered and missed out on qualifying for the 2000 Summer Games.

After bringing his NBA averages up to 23.4 points, 9.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game, Dirk’s persistence began to pay off for the Germans at the 2002 World Championships. Behind his 24 points per game, he led the tournament in scoring, taking home the MVP award and the bronze medal. But for Dirk, third place wasn’t enough. And two years later, he would again miss his shot at the gold, hampered by a foot injury in Germany’s qualifying campaign for the 2004 Summer Games.

Now, four years later, Germany is fighting for another chance. They still face a tough battle in Athens this summer against Greece, Croatia, Puerto Rico and Brazil for the remaining spots in Beijing.

He’s broken franchise records, earned All-Star appearances and become the first European-born player to win the MVP award. Dirk has single-handedly blazed the trail for German and European players in the NBA. Yet, for all his professional success, he hasn’t yet led Germany to the gold.

In the prime of his career, he has the power to change that fact. The time is now.

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