Nowitzki’s last international appearance was back in 2011 for the European Championships…
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Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki has reportedly been given the green light by owner Mark Cuban to participate at EuroBasket 2015.
Cuban has long been opposed to his stars participating in international competitions during the off-season, as not only is there a significant risk of the players sustaining injuries but it also takes a toll on them physically ahead of a gruelling NBA season.
However, when asked whether or not he would be allowed to return to the national team, the 36-year-old Mavericks superstar answered with “Yes”, as reported by German newspaper SportBild.
Unsurprisingly, Nowitzki is a key part of the German national team, although he hasn’t participated in international competition since the 2011 European Championships in Lithuania.
Cuban refused to allow him to play in the EuroBasket two years ago, but with the next major international competition around the corner, it appears as though he will be back in contention.
It is widely assumed that Nowitzki’s aim is to help his nation qualify for the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, although it remains to be seen whether or not Cuban is willing to allow his star man consecutive summers away with his national team.
The NBA veteran has played 141 international games through his career, with his greatest achievement coming back in 2002 when he helped Germany to a bronze medal at the World Championship.
Given his advanced years, he will likely play a lesser role in the set up now, but the Mavericks fans will be hoping for a big season ahead after the franchise made some impressive moves in the off-season to strengthen around their veteran.
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