Regarding Dirk

[Brees#1]

People were saying back in 2011 Dirk was getting older and doesn't have many prime years left, were calling him a secondary player after 2012.


And guess what, Dirk's still going..........Maybe people like to play the decline card when someone is on a team that's average.

 

[The Derski]

Dirk is declining. Are you trying to argue that?

 

[The Derski]

UK fanboy rainbowing me... Once again displaying his unparralelled basketball knowledge.

 

[starbigd]

Dirk has been in decline for years. What separates him is the level of decline and the fact that no part of his game is based on athleticism. He doesn't have to develop a shot because he can no longer jump out of the gym, per se.

As long as he can hit his shots he's fine. His role may diminish, but that's the front office's job to find pieces around him that can pick up the load. But at this point I'm sure he's thinking retirement. Might not be this year but next or so

 

[ericd7633]

Dirk has declined, but he's still a very good player even at his age. He's just declined from his peak, which was a top 20 player of all-time IMO. This year he's averaging 18 ppg on 45% from the field and 37% from 3. PER of 19. Certainly a good year. Mavs have done a poor job of surrounding him players. Rondo deal killed them.

 

[trojanfan12]

People were saying back in 2011 Dirk was getting older and doesn't have many prime years left, were calling him a secondary player after 2012.


And guess what, Dirk's still going..........Maybe people like to play the decline card when someone is on a team that's average.

Of course he's declining. He's 37 years old. He's been declining for about 4 years. But it's more a long, slow decline like Tim Duncan's rather than a falling off a cliff decline like some guys. Part of it is, as starbigd pointed out, his game isn't based on athleticism and some is because he has a high basketball iq and knows how to outsmart opponents.

 

[Mecca of the “B” Team]

Yes, he is declining.

Father time is undefeated.

But, like everyone else has stated:

It's a Tim Duncan slow decent as opposed to a Kevin Garnett/Paul.Pierce face plant off the side of a cliff.

 

[CitySushi]

Dirk is one of my all-time favorite players, which is ironic considering the battles the Warriors and Mavs have had.

I've always been enamored with bigs who could shoot from the outside: Sam Perkins, Clifford Robinson, Dirk.

Dirk is a legend. He'll still be a good player for a long as he can hold his own defensively. Offensively he can play till he's 50, because of his size and his shooting.

 

[Brees#1]

First off I know he is declining slowly but no one was saying that back in 2012. Dirk probably has two-three more years because he isn't Kobe declined yet. I bet nobody thought Dirk would outlast Kobe or that Kobe would be done before Dirk. Well guess what?

 

[CitySushi]

First off I know he is declining slowly but no one was saying that back in 2012. Dirk probably has two-three more years because he isn't Kobe declined yet. I bet nobody thought Dirk would outlast Kobe or that Kobe would be done before Dirk. Well guess what?

There is a big difference in the decline of the two players based on their games and their skill set. You can't really compare the two. Also Kobe's decline was fueled by injury, and Dirk has been relatively free of any major injuries.

Again Dirk extending his playing career will go as his defense allows. He's always going to be able to produce on the offensive end of the court because of his skill set.

 

[Mecca of the “B” Team]

There is a big difference in the decline of the two players based on their games and their skill set. You can't really compare the two. Also Kobe's decline was fueled by injury, and Dirk has been relatively free of any major injuries.

Again Dirk extending his playing career will go as his defense allows. He's always going to be able to produce on the offensive end of the court because of his skill set.

The shot is the last thing that goes.

 

[trojanfan12]

The shot is the last thing that goes.

That one legged fall away of his is all but unblockable. It's his version of Kareem's skyhook. As long as he can get that shot off, he'll always be able to score.

 

[MarkOU]

I think ever since he got scammed by that chick he just doesn't have it in his heart.

 

[starbigd]

I think ever since he got scammed by that chick he just doesn't have it in his heart.

Yeah, it's not like he didn't win a title and get married to a hot chick after that

 

[Rockinkuwait]

That one legged fall away of his is all but unblockable. It's his version of Kareem's skyhook. As long as he can get that shot off, he'll always be able to score.

Yup, he's 7 foot tall with an amazing shot. Guys can hang around a LONG time if they don't ruin their knees with that. But yeah, not half of what he was in his prime.

 

[ChrisWebber]

Dirk is a great shooter and doesn't rely on athleticism.. so rather than fall off like Webber after his major injury, its been a slooow decline.

 

[trojanfan12]

I believe Dirk is a UFA this off-season. Does he re-sign with Dallas and likely end up retiring with only 1 ring? Or does he look to sign with a team that he may be able to put over the top and try to at least get a return trip to the finals?

 

[OregonDucks]

I really like Dirk, always have. But he is declining, and like many have already posted, he will slow down that decline because he can shoot the ball, and that really is what his game is about. He's a shooter.

 

[CitySushi]

I believe Dirk is a UFA this off-season. Does he re-sign with Dallas and likely end up retiring with only 1 ring? Or does he look to sign with a team that he may be able to put over the top and try to at least get a return trip to the finals?

Dirk is a Mav lifer. I can't see any scenario where he ring chases, given all the accolades he's received. One championship as the lead dog is worth way more than a role player on great teams.

I think Dirk plays two more seasons.