Through the years, I've attempted to defend Dallas Mavericks' star Dirk Nowitzki. Praised him in columns. Put him atop underrated lists.
The guy has done everything except win a championship. Points. MVPs. Guts. You name it.
Now he's gone an unprecedented step further.
Name me another superstar that's played in our city, left $16 million on the table to help his team win and rebuffed free-agency flirting from other teams all because ...
To his critics, it'll sound corny. But to me, it makes him even that more endearing.
He says only two players - LeBron James and Dwyane Wade - would make a real difference in free agency. Maybe if his unyielding loyalty and extra loot deliver one of those - or Shaquille O'Neal? - to Dallas then we'll finally appreciate Dirk?