Tony Parker believes Dirk Nowitzki is the greatest European player the NBA has ever seen, explaining how the Dallas Mavericks legend “paved the way” for him to win four titles with the San Antonio Spurs.
Both Parker and Nowitzki, along with Pau Gasol, will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on Saturday, so there’s plenty of talk about who is the best European player ever.
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“It started with Dirk,” Parker said. “Dirk paved the way. I always say Dirk is the GOAT for European basketball. He was the one who was the first one to be a franchise player.”
While Nowitzki appreciates the love, he believes there are many European players before him who did more for the game.
“He told me that yesterday and I was very humbled by that,” Nowitzki said. “I always give credit to everybody else. I think there were guys that paved the way for me with (Detlef Schrempf), Toni Kukoc and Peja Stojakovic, so many others. … If I came in and helped and inspire and motivate guys along the way, then that makes me incredibly proud.”
Dirk Nowitzki doesn’t like to compare
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic are currently just two of several Europan players in the league looking to claim the title as Europe’s GOAT.
Nowitzki understands that every era is different and would rather not entertain the GOAT conversation.
“It’s always hard, though, to pick a GOAT,” Nowitzki said. “I think that’s part of a special debate. Everybody’s always wanting to compare eras and it’s just impossible to do. The styles change.
“The game is so different now than 20 years ago when I got into the league. It’s hard. It’s hard to compare. If that’s his opinion, then of course, I’m very glad to hear that and I’m very proud to hear that.”