DALLAS — You have Dirk Nowitzki-related Hall of Fame questions.
We have answers.
Here are the details Mavericks fans should keep in mind for Nowitzki’s future enshrinement into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame:
When will Nowitzki be eligible?
2023.
The Mavericks legend retired at the end of the 2018-19 season. A player must be retired for four full seasons before becoming eligible in their fifth year out of the league.
While the organization can make exceptions for players who briefly unretire, don’t expect Nowitzki to require extra accommodations.
He’s spent much of retirement traveling and working in various charitable causes — not preparing to put on his iconic No. 41 jersey again.
Will he be a first-ballot selection?
Short answer: Yes.
Longer answer: Yes, he will.
Among other accomplishments, Nowitzki in his 21 seasons with Dallas:
— Led the Mavericks to the franchise’s only championship as the 2011 NBA Finals MVP.
— Earned 2007 MVP honors.
— Made 14 All-Star teams and 12 All-NBA teams.
— Paved the way for sharp-shooting big men and European prospects of the future.
Who votes?
Two screening committees — North American and Women’s — select finalists each year to present to the honors committees, which consist of Hall of Famers, basketball executives, administrators, media members and other experts in the game.
A finalist must receive a minimum of 18 votes from the 24-member committee to be enshrined.
Inductees are typically announced during the NCAA Final Four in April, with enshrinement ceremonies in September.
Who else is in contention in 2023?
Expect a marquee class.
Unlike Nowitzki, who didn’t confirm his retirement until after his last home game, Heat star Dwyane Wade made clear 2019-20 was his final season. Spurs great Tony Parker also retired after that season, following a one-year stint in Charlotte.
It’s fitting Nowitzki will likely share a Hall of Fame ceremony with Wade and Parker because many of the Mavericks’ most triumphant and heart-breaking moments during his tenure came against Miami and San Antonio.
