TITLE: Congratulating Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks on his retirement from the NBA.

SUMMARY: Congratulating Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks on his retirement from the NBA.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki retired from the National Basketball Association on April 11, 2019, and this occasion offers a welcome opportunity to salute his outstanding accomplishments in the sport; and WHEREAS, The 2018-2019 season was Mr. Nowitzki's 21st with the Mavericks, which set an NBA record for the longest tenure with one team; during his final campaign, he moved into sixth place on the list of all-time leading scorers in NBA history, and when he netted 20 points in his final game, he brought his career total to a remarkable 31,560; his farewell year also saw him take the floor for his 14th All-Star Game; and WHEREAS, A native of W rzburg, Germany, this exceptional athlete played pro basketball in his home country as a teenager and first gained the attention of NBA scouts in 1998; after being selected by the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA draft that year, he was immediately traded to Dallas; his presence helped transform the franchise, and during 2000-2001, the Mavs recorded the first of what would become 11 consecutive seasons in which they won 50 games or more; in 2006, he helped the team make its debut in the NBA Finals, and the next year he became the first European player to receive the league's Most Valuable Player honor; and WHEREAS, In 2011, Mr. Nowitzki earned a place in the pantheon of legendary Texas sports heroes by leading the Mavs to the NBA championship, and he was named the finals MVP for his extraordinary performance; his elite position among Dallas players is also reflected in the record books; he is the team's all-time leader in points, rebounds, blocked shots, minutes played, field goals, and three-pointers; and WHEREAS, Selected to the All-NBA Team 12 years in a row, Mr. Nowitzki's accolades also include the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award, which recognized his selfless play and leadership, and the Magic Johnson Award, which honored his cooperation with the media and the public; moreover, he is a two-time recipient of the NBA Cares Community Assist Award, and he oversees the Dirk Nowitzki Foundation, which funds charitable initiatives related to children; and WHEREAS, Over the course of more than two decades, Dirk Nowitzki distinguished himself as one the NBA's finest players, and the success he achieved as a member of the Dallas Mavericks will be remembered and admired long into the future; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Dirk Nowitzki on his retirement from the NBA and commend him on his exemplary career in professional basketball; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Nowitzki as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Neave Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1318 was adopted by the House on May 3, 2019, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House