Early in the fourth quarter of the Mavericks’ win over the Spurs on Tuesday, Dirk Nowitzki pulled down the 10,000th rebound of his career, and gained some elite statistical status in the process. Nowitzki became just the 37th player in NBA history to accomplish this, and became the only player ever to pass a combination of impressive statistical thresholds.
“That’s pretty unbelievable,” said Nowitzki, who happily reported that his wife, Jessica, and baby boy are doing well. “I came here when I was 20, probably the worst 7-foot rebounder in the league at the time. I still wouldn’t say I’m a great rebounder, but I learned how to use my length some.
“There were some years where I almost averaged 10 boards. I think the closest was 9.9. I’m a little disappointed that I never averaged 10 a game. I got to be a decent rebounder. I was almost more proud than all of the points I scored.” …
There has never been another player in NBA history with at least 25,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, 1,000 blocks and 1,000 3-pointers. His career totals: 27,960 points, 10,004 rebounds, 1,123 blocks, 1,564 3s, and counting.
