Former Mavericks star raves about playing with Dirk Nowitzki

The Dallas Mavericks have had no shortage of great players come through the franchise at certain points in their careers. But there have been none better than Dirk Nowitzki, the seven-foot German who spent all 21 years with the Mavs, winning an MVP in 2007 and an NBA Championship in 2011 while becoming one of the greatest scorers in NBA history.

Nowitzki is as revered as any athlete in Dallas' athletic history for his loyalty to the city, his work ethic, and his unorthodox style of play. And it's hard to find a former teammate of his who doesn't give him glowing reviews.

Mar 27, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) and guard Monta Ellis (11) walk off the court during the second half against the Los Angeles Clippers at the American Airlines Center. The Clippers won 109-103. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Former Mavericks guard Monta Ellis recently appeared on the "Out the Mud" Podcast with Zach Randolph and Tony Allen, where he was asked about playing with Nowitzki.

"Dirk... man, he's different. I wish I would've had Dirk early on in my career. The things that he was doing, that was incredible. His routine that he had daily, I was like I see why he's like that... Everything, even how he took care of his body. He was never one of those players that really said nothing about it unless he really wanted to say something. Like if you made him mad, if he was frustrated, then he would say something. Other than that, he would just go out there and shoot it. But the work that he put off the court was crazy. The way he handled himself off the court and on the court was mind-blowing. But it also had me thinking that's what a legend is. He earned every bit of it."

Monta Ellis on being teammates with Dirk Nowitzki on the Mavericks:

“I wish I had Dirk earlier in my career… That’s what a legend is.”

Went on to rave about Dirk’s work ethic and how he took care of his body.

🎥: @OutTheMudTL pic.twitter.com/myzQj5AHja
— Mavs Film Room 🐴🎥 (@MavsFilmRoom) May 8, 2025

Ellis was with Nowitzki on the Mavs from 2013-2015, averaging 19 PPG and 4.9 APG. It had to be a redemption arc for both sides, as Ellis was a key piece on the "We Believe" Warriors team that upset Nowitzki's Mavericks in his MVP season, leading to the infamous moment where Nowitzki was handed the MVP trophy after his team had already been eliminated.

Stick with MavericksGameday for more FREE coverage of the Dallas Mavericks throughout the offseason

Follow MavericksGameday on Twitter and Austin Veazey on Twitter

More Dallas Mavericks News

Mavericks linked with Lakers on trade to reunite Luka Doncic with $40 million center

Mavericks make multiple staff changes after tumultuous season

Mavericks, Lakers reported to meet in 2025 preseason

NBA agent says pressure isn’t on Anthony Davis after Mavericks-Lakers trade