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Dirk's greatest gift isn't that jumper but his commitment | Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Wearing a protective boot over his lower left leg, the Mavs' franchise player announced he is coming back for NBA season No. 21.

"Dirk" now officially means "loyal" in German. "Nowitzki" is now loosely translated in German to mean "Can play 'til the end of time."

In what is easily the worst year of the Mark Cuban era of the Dallas Mavs, Dirk Nowitzki's announcement that he is not done playing is the highpoint of the season that ended Tuesday evening against the Phoenix Suns.

"I plan on coming back," said Der Mann, who appeared in 77 games this season and could have played all 82 had he wanted to hit that mark; he opted for ankle surgery last week to repair an issue that has bothered him a large portion of the year.