Dirk Nowitzki: Mavericks Star's Scoring Milestone Cements Place Among Best Ever

Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki became the 23rd player in NBA history to score 23,000 career points on Friday night against the Milwaukee Bucks, and it's the way the German star accomplished this milestone that is most impressive.

Nowiztki is the best big-man shooter the league has ever seen, and his ability to knock down outside shots consistently as a seven-footer has revolutionized the sport of basketball forever.

His ability to hit three-point shots with guys in his face, turnaround mid-range shots with little breathing room and fadeaway jumpers from far out is extraordinary given his height. No big man has ever been able to hit three-pointers and mid-range shots like Nowiztki, and this talent makes him a truly unique and special player.

Look at how many of today's best power forwards rely on good outside shooting to be great players. Chris Bosh, Kevin Love, Amare Stoudemire and even Josh Smith are at the level they are because they can hit outside shots and even three-pointers.

Power forwards in the NBA today need to be good shooters to be effective, and Nowitzki is the reason for this. Before Nowitzki, guys like Charles Barkley and Kevin McHale dominated in the paint without amazing shooting abilities, but those days are over for power forwards.

The idea of a seven-footer knocking down outside shots was laughable before Nowitzki, but now it is expected of most big men coming into the NBA.

With this latest milestone, where does Nowitzki rank among the best of all-time?

Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle spoke about Nowiztki's fantastic career on Friday night.

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He's one of 12 or 13 players to be a 10-time All-Star, a league MVP and a Finals MVP. So, that puts him in the top 12 or 13. I don't think that can be disputed. He's had a staggeringly awesome career. There's no debate now, he's up there.

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Is Nowitzki a top-10 player in NBA history? No, he isn't, but he's probably top 15 right now with the chance to move up as his stats and career accolades grow. However, there is no questioning the impact Nowitzki has had on the game since coming into the league. He's changed the way people look at big men and their role as perimeter shooters.

A true sign of basketball greatness is affecting the sport long after you retire, which is why Nowitzki's place among the game's best is already cemented.

Nicholas Goss is an NBA Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter.

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