Dirk Nowitzki rejoins the Dallas Mavericks as a special advisor

In the wake of a tumultuous week in which the Dallas Mavericks parted ways with their long-time general manager Donnie Nelson and head coach Rick Carlisle, the team is bringing in a notable name to help guide the franchise forward. Dirk Nowitzki is joining the organization as a special advisor, the Mavericks announced Friday.

Nowitzki, in his new role, will assist with the hiring of both a new general manager and head coach. He will also be involved in other decisions within the front office.

“Mark Cuban approached me about a role as special advisor 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.”

According to Tim MacMahon of ESPN, Nowitzki is already at work, serving in his new role. He met with Cuban, Michael Finley, and other staff members Thursday to discuss the team’s next moves. MacMahon also notes that former Mavericks point guard Jason Kidd was brought up as a possible replacement for Carlisle during that meeting. Cuban, however, shot this idea down, saying that the focus is on finding a GM first. The GM will lead the search for a new head coach.

Prior to the team’s official announcement, Marc Stein of the New York Times officially broke the news. This is Nowitzki’s first official role with the Mavericks since retiring in 2019, although Cuban is on record saying that Nowitzki would have a job for life with the organization if he wanted it.

“Mark approached me and asked me to help out and of course I said yes,” Nowitzki told the New York Times. “Any way I can help my Mavs, I’m in.”

Here’s our episode of the Mavs Moneyball Podcast discussing the Dallas Mavericks moving on from Donnie Nelson. Here’s the episode about Rick Carlisle moving on. Search Mavs Moneyball Podcast on your favorite app to find the episode, click the link, or press play in the player below.