Dirk Hits 30K

Although Dirk is not retiring and plans to play another year or two, the occasion of him hitting 30,000 points, which is 6th all-time, made me want to re-visit his career.  19 seasons ago, everyone was trying to score a potential star player from Europe.  When Nellie traded for this kid from Germany it was hard to imagine he would end up being the best.  Being the #6 all-time scorer is rare air so you have to try to figure out where he belongs in history.  I previously published my top 12 and he wasn't in it.  But, I can make the case he is top-20.

The best case for Dirk involves 2 things; his appearance on all-NBA teams, and his playoff performances.  He appeared on 12 consecutive all-NBA teams during his prime, 4 times 1st team and 5 times 2nd team.  Clearly highly respected by peers and media, culminating in the league MVP award in 2006-07 when he had a historic 50/40/90 shooting line.  His case is also boosted by how he raised his play in the playoffs.  In 145 playoff games, he carries a 25.3 scoring average + 10 rebounds and a 23.8 PER.  During the run to the championship in 2010-11, he averaged 27.7 on .485 shooting and won finals MVP.  He averaged over 26 points during 8 different playoff seasons.  He is also ranked #8 in career win shares, and 23rd in career PER.

At his peak, Dirk was a pretty much un-guardable force who would get you 26 nightly.  His dominance in the championship run was spectacular to watch.  His career shooting line of 47/38/88 is unbelievable for a big man and sort of revolutionized the power-forward position.  The "stretch 4" position so popular today pretty much started with Dirk.  You also have to mention that he is the perfect teammate and franchise icon in terms of work ethic, maturity, and attitude.

Some other notes from his career:

• 29-point quarter vs. Utah in 2009
• 50 points in game 5 of West finals vs. Suns 2006
• 48 points on 15 shots in West finals win over OKC 2011
• 27 career 40+ point games
• 3-point shootout champ in 2006

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