Nelson Mandella

‘Sport has the power to change the world’ – Nelson Mandela, 2000 Laureus World Sports Awards

25 Years of Laureus

‘Sport has the power to change the world’ – Nelson Mandela, 2000 Laureus World Sports Awards

In 2011, Dirk Nowitzki became the first European-born player to receive the Most Valuable Player Award in the NBA Finals, as Dallas Mavericks beat Miami Heat 4-2 to win their first ever title. In the best-of-seven series, Nowitzki scored 62 points, including ten in the fourth quarter of the final decisive game in Miami.
For the entire play-offs, Nowitzki averaged 27.7 pts, 8.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 21 games. Standing 2.13 metres (7ft 0ins), Nowitzki plays power forward, but also has the mobility and shooting ability to play other front court positions. Nowitzki has played for Dallas since he was traded from Milwaukee Bucks in 1998.
Nomination
Year
Result

Email Sign up

Email Sign-up

Sign up for all things Laureus

Get regular updates throughout the year