Dirk Nowitzki Set to Record Milestone Against Bucks

It's been an eventful 12 months for Dirk Nowitzki. The 7'0" German tackled his critics by winning an NBA championship last season; he started this season somewhat poorly, but now finds himself in a position to further carve his name in the NBA history books.

Dirk sits at 22,997 points, three shy from becoming just the 23rd player to reach the 23K milestone in the history of the league. What better team to accomplish that feat against than the team that made the ill-fated decision to trade him on draft night in 1998—the Milwaukee Bucks?

In a trade that landed the Bucks Pat Garrity and Robert "Tractor" Traylor, Nowitzki became a Dallas Maverick before the night was over. He then joined Don Nelson and newcomer Steve Nash, and the rest is history.

I don't think there is any doubt in Bucks fans' minds that if they could do it again, they would hold on to the lanky, blonde kid with an earring and a good jump shot if they could.

But hindsight is always 20/20, and Dirk's contributions in Dallas have made basketball something people in the city and surrounding areas are excited to follow. I could argue that he saved basketball from the basement of despair during the old Reunion Arena days, but that's an article for another day.

As it is, Dirk will continue to climb the leaderboards as long as his body allows him. If you look at the all-time list, based on his numbers per season and a career that might continue until he's 40, it's conceivable that he could climb to as high as 30,000 points in a career destined for the Hall of Fame.

There is no time like the present, however, and to consider the possibility of something so far away would seem to overshadow this accomplishment that Dirk is poised to arrive at this evening.

So enjoy your first three points tonight, Dirk. As the crowd rises to a standing ovation to congratulate you, they will also thank their lucky stars you wound up in Dallas, and nowhere else.