Germany Secures Olympic Berth

Hooped Up | July 21, 2008

Dirk Nowitzki did not do any interviews immediately after propelling Germany to its first Olympic berth since 1992. He couldn’t. The Dallas Mavericks’ best player was in the locker room in Greece bawling Sunday, like a baby or newlywed or player who has finally delivered on a promise to his country, his coach and himself. He had been thinking of this moment long before he dreamed of MVPs and NBA championships. Anybody who even kind of knows The Big German is giddy for him, with the possible exception of Mavs owner Mark Cuban, who is certainly no fan of NBA players in the Olympics. And even he is happy for Dirk. “My issues on the Olympics are not with Dirk or the players,” Cuban said via e-mail Sunday. “I’m thrilled for Dirk. It’s a dream of his, and there is nothing that could make me happier for him.”