Dallas — A statement made by Karl-Anthony Towns in 2021 attracted the attention of Dallas Mavericks supporters. When Towns declared himself to be the “greatest big man shooter of all time,” Mavs supporters instantly brought up Dirk Nowitzki.
I don’t have to play like nobody, man, really. Towns stated, “I’m me,” in December 2021, according to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic. “I am the all-time best big man shooter.” That is true. The statistics are visible. It’s not my place to play like nobody else’s. When I’m the first version of myself, everyone is striving to find themselves as the second version of me. It’s not necessary for me to be someone else’s double. Already, I’m unique. I don’t have to be an exact replica of another person.
Jason Kidd was questioned about the assertion on Tuesday before the Mavericks’ Western Conference Finals matchup with Towns’ Minnesota Timberwolves.
Following practice on Tuesday, the head coach of the Mavs declared, “Everyone has a right to their opinion, especially now.” Yes, he is able to shoot it. He is undoubtedly a shooter. You see that KAT (Towns) is a young man who exudes confidence. Among the top big men in this league is him. He has a great rate of three-point shooting. He can score if he puts it on the ground. He can therefore be among the best big guys (shooters), in my opinion. Since Dirk was among the first to do that, I’m sure he would have something to say.
“However, I believe Dirk made it easier for many of the big guys to become shooters.”
Over his career, Towns has shot 39.8 percent from outside the arc. In contrast, Dirk shot 38% from beyond the arc.
Kidd pointed out that Dirk was among the first large men to regularly attempt long-range shots. Many big men finished close to the basket before Nowitzki, staying in the paint.
Both Nowitzki and Towns will go down in NBA history as two of the best shooting big men to have ever played.
On Tuesday, Kidd talked about Nowitzki in further detail. Dirk is still a very regular visitor to Mavericks games. I asked the head coach of the Mavericks how having a legend like Dirk Nowitzki visit and support the team affects them.
It’s excellent. “You’re discussing the greatest player to ever don a Mavericks jersey,” Kidd remarked. Every home game, we get to drive past the Dirk Nowitzki statue outside the American Airlines Center. Therefore, it’s fantastic that he’s here so he can hang out and attend the games.
Currently, the Mavericks are attempting to bring home the franchise’s first championship since Dirk Nowitzki guided Dallas to victory in 2011. Naturally, Jason Kidd was a member of the 2011 championship squad as well. As a player and coach, Kidd now has the opportunity to win a championship with the Mavericks, which would be a remarkable feat to say the least.
But Dallas still has eight more wins to go. On Wednesday night, the Mavericks will take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota to start the Western Conference Finals.
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