Dirk Nowitzki: ‘I Want Shaq!’

There have been rumblings about the Mavs wanting Shaq for some time now, and according to Dallas Basketball (and their best stab at a translation from German to English), Dirk definitely wants the big fella: “Here’s your hook: ‘I Want Shaq!’ says … Dirk Nowitzki. That’s the headline on the German sportspage, and while I don’t think those are Nowitzki’s exact words, our German-to-English translation makes it clear enough: ‘On the basis of his experience,’ Nowitzki said of O’Neal, ‘he would be a great addition to our team. He is still a dominant center, and opens space for others.’ There’s a lot to consume in that one sentence. (And it is worth noting: This is obviously Dirk answering questions from the news outlet which was motivated to ask by the latest wave of Shaq Likes Dallas rumors. So factor in Nowitzki’s politeness — to the questioner and to the subject, too.)”