Dirk Nowitzki to Train in Germany If NBA Lockout Lingers

If the NBA games continue to be canceled by the lockout, look for Dirk Nowitzki to catch a flight back to Germany to continue his training at home.

Nowitzki has been hampered with a torn tendon on his left-hand middle finger, sustained during the NBA Finals Game 2 versus the Miami Heat. But he was still able to compete for Team Germany in the European Championships, where he aggravated the injury. Although the injury did not require surgery, Nowitzki will keep the injured finger in a splint for another three to four weeks.

Nowitzki has been passing the time cheering on the Texas Rangers during their playoff run, and he even threw out the first pitch prior to Game 3 of the 2011 World Series. But as soon as the baseball season is over, if the NBA is not able to work out a new contract, you can expect to see Nowitzki returning to Wuerzbach to begin basketball-specific training with his personal coach.

What does Nowitzki have to lose?

Besides missing Octoberfest in Deutschland? Nothing. He has time to heal properly, he can enjoy the rest of the baseball season, he got to throw out the first pitch at the World Series and he has plenty of time to rest from the grind of the NBA season.

Should the lockout stretch into 2012, we can likely look for Nowitzki to seek employment with a European team until he can return to the NBA, healthy and looking for another championship.