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Dallas Mavericks great Dirk Nowitzki rejoins franchise as special adviser

Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki hasn't been involved with the Mavericks in an official capacity since his retirement after the 2018-19 campaign. File Photo by Larry W. Smith/EPA-EFE
Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki hasn't been involved with the Mavericks in an official capacity since his retirement after the 2018-19 campaign. File Photo by Larry W. Smith/EPA-EFE

June 18 (UPI) -- Dallas Mavericks icon Dirk Nowitzki has rejoined the organization as a special adviser who will help in the hiring process of a new head coach and general manager, the team announced Friday.

Nowitzki, widely considered one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history, also will consult on other front-office decisions, according to the team.

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"[Owner] Mark Cuban approached me about a role as special adviser and I am happy to support my Mavs," Nowitzki said in a statement. "Donnie Nelson and Rick Carlisle were both mentors and played huge roles in my career and the success of this franchise, and I am going to miss them.

"It is important for me now to join Mark and contribute as much as I can as we move forward."

Nowitzki's return to the franchise comes on the heels of the departures of Carlisle and Nelson. Carlisle resigned Thursday after 13 years as head coach of the Mavericks, while Nelson exited following 24 seasons as the franchise's president of basketball operations.

Nowitzki, who turns 43 on Saturday, hasn't been involved with the Mavericks in an official capacity since his retirement after the 2018-19 campaign. He scored a franchise-record 31,560 points in his 21-year career with Dallas.

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Cuban said Thursday the Mavericks will look for a new head of basketball operations before conducting a coaching search. Mavs assistant coach Jamahl Mosley, who has a strong relationship with superstar Luka Doncic, is expected to be among the candidates considered to replace Carlisle.

To assist in the team's search for Nelson's replacement, Cuban has hired Sportsology, a consulting firm frequently used by NBA teams.

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