Dirk Nowitzki is coming back for the Dallas Mavericks.
The veteran forward has been nursing a return from ankle surgery all season long, and has yet to make his debut in 2018-19. Despite not having Nowitzki on the floor, the Mavericks have jumped out to an impressive 15-11 record with Harrison Barnes, Luka Doncic, and DeAndre Jordan leading the way.
The news was announced on social media on Thursday before the Mavericks got set to take on the Phoenix Suns.
Via Twitter:
Welcome back, Dirk. 🔥@dallasmavs vs. Suns // 10:30pm ET ON TNT! 📺 pic.twitter.com/syFbQllpmQ
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) December 14, 2018
Dirk Nowitzki is making his season debut tonight. He needs 233 points to pass Wilt Chamberlain for 6th on the all-time scoring list.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) December 14, 2018
If the Mavericks win, Nowitzki will also become the 6th player with 900 wins in the regular season. pic.twitter.com/9fIDwFECit
Of course, sending Nowitzki back onto an NBA floor against Phoenix is perhaps the easiest test he could have as he comes back from an injury. The Suns are god-awful, and Nowitzki will need some time to readjust to playing at full speed (or at least at whatever speed he normally plays at).
The 40-year-old German star should be able to help the Mavericks as a bench contributor this season. Hopefully with Nowitzki on the floor Dallas can solidify their potential playoff berth.