Nowitzki Wins NBA Teammate Of The Year Award, Says He Hopes To Be Around 'A Couple More Years'
DALLAS (105.3 The Fan) - Dallas Maverick's forward Dirk Nowitzki was honored with the Twyman-Stokes Teammate Of The Year Award at the first NBA Awards ceremony Monday night.
The award recognizes the league's "ideal teammate" who exemplifies "selfless play and commitment and dedication to his team" according to the NBA.
The award is named after Jack Twyman and Maurice Stokes. The two played together on the Rochester/Cincinnati Royals from 1955 to 1958.
""I never thought I would get a teammate of the year award, but it means a lot to me," Dirk said after the event. "It means that I led my teammates the right way, on and off the floor."
Dirk also thanked his former teammates, Steve Nash and Michael Finley, when speaking to the media. "(They were) two great, unbelievable pros that basically raised me right in this league and I basically followed in their footsteps ever since," said Nowitzki.
During his acceptance speech, Dirk was quick to make a joke, which shows his fun-loving personality.
"This is a great award. I'm pretty sure that none of my teammates voted for me," Nowitzki said jokingly.
"I joke a lot with them and we have a lot of fun. I just try to make them feel welcome and get the best out of them. Now on the court, I'm tough sometimes, but I'm just trying to get the best out of them," Nowitzki added.
The 13-time all-star then went on to thank a few people including his wife, owner Mark Cuban and head coach Rick Carlisle. Dirk finished the speech by saying that he's still enjoying to compete and "I'll be around hopefully a couple more years."
