Mavericks Dirk's 20th Basketball

In this March 20, 2016, file photo, Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) attempts a layup during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers in Dallas.

DALLAS (AP) — Dirk Nowitzki made peace years ago with the reality that spending his entire career with the Dallas Mavericks would likely mean little or no chance to win a second championship.

The most accomplished European player in NBA history never seriously considered leaving the franchise that courted him as a teenager in Germany and drafted him five days after his 20th birthday in 1998.