Nowitzki To Play For Germany In EuroBasket 2015
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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) -- Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki has ended his international retirement and will play for Germany in EuroBasket 2015.
The 37-year-old retired from international duty following EuroBasket 2011 after 15 years, but decided to return to play in this summer's tournament. Group B will be played in Berlin.
"If it was anywhere else, at the age of 37, it probably would have been a no-go for me," said Nowitzki Thursday morning in front of a crowd in Frankfurt. "But when I heard that EuroBasket would be played in Berlin, a great basketball city, it was something I had dreamt about."
Nowitzki said he consulted his wife on the decision after using the month of May to enjoy some family time. He also joked that the Mavs' early exit from this year's playoffs made the decision easier.
Germany will face Spain, Serbia, Turkey, Italy and Iceland in a competitive group in Berlin.
He is expected to join the team for training camp in mid-August.
Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has been critical of international play in the past, noting that NBA teams take all of the financial risk.
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