NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki is considered one of the best European players to play in the league. Over the course of his career, Nowitzki won some major accolades and led the Dallas Mavericks to their first and only title in 2011. His success on the court helped him make a fortune. This, in turn, enabled him to help the underprivileged. However, he was once tricked into making a huge donation during an auction where he met his future wife.

Nowitzki currently has an estimated net worth of $140 million as per Celebrity Net Worth. He founded the Dirk Nowitzki Foundation, which focuses on helping children who are affected by illness, poverty, abuse, and neglect.

Dirk Nowitzki was smitten

The 45-year-old was in a long-term relationship with former German woman basketball player Sybille Gerer. The two started dating in 1992 during Nowitzki’s time with his local club, DJK W?rzburg. But things did not work out between the two and the former couple broke up in 2002 after ten years of dating. The 14x NBA All-Star admitted that he wanted to start a family and kids. However, he was clear that he didn’t see it happening before he was 30.

Nowitzki remained single for the next few years as he became one of the best players in the league. Finally, he met his wife Jessica Olsson in 2010. She was the sister of Swedish soccer stars?Martin and?Marcus Olsson. Notably, Jessica was working at a Dallas art gallery and the two met during an auction.

The event was held in February 2010 for the Sports for Education and Economic Development (SEED) Project. Interestingly, Nowitzki was tricked into making a large donation at the auction. According to a report from Andscape, “Nowitzki was tricked into raising his hand during an auction that resulted in him making a major donation in exchange for a Rolando Diaz painting.”

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The Hall of Famer was reportedly smitten by Jessica, and the two started dating after the auction. The couple then tied the knot in 2012 and has three children together. While he retired in 2019, his legacy is being carried forward by another European gem, Luka Doncic.

Luka Doncic congratulated his mentor

Dirk Nowitzki passed the baton of the Mavericks to Slovenian superstar Luka Doncic. The two share a very close bond as Nowitzki helped the 24-year-old settle down quickly in the league.

When Nowitzki was inducted into the Hall of Fame, Doncic was excited and congratulated him via social media. The German icon didn’t just pave the way for European stars, but he was also one of the first sharpshooting big men in the league. One can only wonder about the impact Dirk would have had in today’s game.

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