Nowitzki opts out

[Andrew]

Sounds like we're right.

[shadowgrin]

His reputation as someone who crashes and burns in the playoffs probably has a lot to do with it--while he's tremendous in the regular season.

With the exception of one playoff series (2007, vs. GSW) when did he crash and burn in the playoffs?

[NovU]

This year, against the Spurs.

[shadowgrin]

His production doesn't say so.

[NovU]

True, in fact, he was more than OK I thought. Still the Spurs kept him to managable performance and came out with 4 wins in that series.

[shadowgrin]

He didn't crash and burn then. More like the result of the Spurs defense than Dirk choking.

[NovU]

Perhaps. However, outside of game 1 in that series, I don't recall Dirk being impressive.(Nonetheless, he was tough to guard and gave much trouble to the defense.) It's understandable how people see that as a fail on Dirk's part. He's the leader after all, and was surrounded by good players too.

It was my favorite series of this year. It was intense and physical. Hoping to see them going at each other again in the playoffs next season.

[shadowgrin]

Perhaps. However, outside of game 1, 3, and 6 in that series, I don't recall Dirk being impressive.

[hova-]

Dirk was showing up when they needed him most vs the Spurs. He was definitely not choking in that series. I remember his crucial three pointer to put Dallas in front in game 6 after being down by almost 25. Apart from Kidd, Terry, Marion, Haywood and Dampier playing the worst basketball of their lifes (at least Kidd and Terry), it was Carlisle decision to give Roddy B almost no minutes except in game 6.


Opting out was the best thing Dirk could do. I know him from many many interviews I read and it's clear that Dirk does not give anything about money anymore. He never thought money was important and now that he has definitely earned enough in his career (and does know how to deal with money, no Antoine Walker here), it's only about winning.

So negotiating a new contract could give the Mavs more cap space in their future attempts to finally add another Superstar to their roster. Further it gives Dirk security for his future as he could also add a no trade clause and get kind of his last contract.

[jonthefon]

Uh oh, here goes the 'Dirk chokes in the playoffs' argument, yet again. That needs to FUCKING DIE. It's the stupidest opinion about Dirk you'll ever hear, alongside any arguments that "Pau Gasol is a better player than Dirk, because he's won two rings as the best sidekick in the league." How much more can 25/11 say?

And hova explained everything else comprehensively. Even if the paycut for the first season is small, helps the team. By opting out, he probably gets an extra three years at around 20mil. If he's entering the FA market next season instead, at 32, he's probably getting at least a little less. And by a no-trade clause, he can choose to end his career in Dallas, or avoid a crazy situation if the Mavs just go belly-up (which they totally could if they get nobody and try rolling with the slowly-decaying corpse of Jason Eugene Terry).

[deihatein]

Jason Terry was one of my favorite players in Dallas back then and my choice for being the second option of the team. But now I kinda agree that he just plain sucks now. I think he is the one choking in the playoffs instead of Dirk. If they manage to trade him and Jose "fucking waste of money" Juan Barea, then I am fine on who they get as long as they trade those two players