Mavericks Legend Seen as Perfect Teacher for Victor Wembanyama

This certainly makes sense to help the young NBA sensation, Victor Wembanyama.

May 26, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) fumbles a rebound in front of Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) and guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the first quarter in game five of the western conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Saturday night will be the best thing in basketball: Game 7. The San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder have pushed each other to the brink, as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama try to lift their teams to the NBA Finals.

A lot of fans already knew how special Wembanyama could be. He was drafted first overall in 2023 for a reason, as he's been able to pair his ridiculous size with incredible skill on both ends of the floor. His offensive game is still growing, but he's going to be the face of the NBA before too long, and his competitiveness will only help that.

Still, people want him to expand on his game. Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas suggested that he needs to team up with Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki if he wants to reach the next level of superstardom.

“Slow down. You’re in a rush," Arenas started on his show. "Go work with Dirk this summer. Dirk understood to keep the ball high. Shot from above his head... You couldn’t block his shot. Dirk didn’t move very fast or very quick. But got by everybody.”

Dirk Nowitzki was a true unicorn in NBA history as a 7-footer who could shoot from all over the floor. He was a one-man offense, and because his release was basically behind his head, it was almost impossible to defend him. Once he added his patented fadeaway into his bag, it didn't matter how contested the space was; he was open.

Wembanyama could stand to learn from a player like Nowitzki, as two Europeans looking to make their mark on NBA history. Would Nowitzki be willing to help, though?

Dec 13, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; NBA on Amazon studio analyst Dirk Nowitzki during the NBA Cup semifinals at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Don't Expect Dirk Nowitzki to Give the Spurs Any Favors

Dirk Nowitzki had a longstanding rivalry with the San Antonio Spurs, as he and Tim Duncan went back and forth throughout the 2000s. There may have been a lot of respect, but there wasn't a lot of love. Nowitzki may not be around the Mavs as much as he used to be, but that doesn't mean he's going to help his rival.

The Dallas Mavericks have their own young star that Nowitzki could mentor. Cooper Flagg had an outstanding rookie season, but he does need to refine his offensive game, and continuing to develop his jumper would be essential for that. He has great size, and his midrange started to come around throughout the season.

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