Jersey numbers and the story behind them are always a tale that NBA buffs love to hear. Michael Jordan wearing 23, Kobe Bryant wearing 24, Stephen Curry wearing 30, etc. all have their own iconic angles and reasons. Well, a new NBA legend came out with an interesting story behind his world-famous jersey number. What’s surprising is that 1993 NBA MVP Charles Barkley was an inspiration behind the famous jersey number.?

There is a reason behind every jersey number. For the 2011 NBA champion, it’s Charles Barkley. The Hall of Famer honored Barkley’s stint with the Dream Team in the 1992 Olympics.

How did Charles Barkley inspire this Dallas Mavericks legend??

In their 43-year history, the Mavericks have only one championship. So it isn’t particularly hard to guess who this legend is. Selected 9th overall in the 1998 NBA Draft, Dirk Nowitzki played 21 seasons in Dallas. He’s the only player ever to stick with one franchise for over two decades. It’s part of the reason why #41 made a huge impact in the NBA world.

The Dallas Mavericks legend, who was a solo warrior in the 2011 NBA Finals, decided to open up about the reason behind his jersey number.?

Nowitzki revealed he initially wore number 11 when he started playing. However later, when he witnessed Barkley play in the 1992 Olympics, he changed his mind. The Sixers legend, alongside Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and more put on his own show which impressed many. Particularly given the international stage, fans from around the world got to witness Barkley’s unique skillset.?

Read more: Despite Dirk Nowitzki?s 21-Year-Long Stellar NBA Career, Former Mavs Coach Was Left Amazed by German Star?s ?Other? Lifestyle

One of them was Nowitzki, who shared, “When I started playing basketball I had an 11 and then I saw Charles Barkley wear number 14 in the Olympics in 92 in Barcelona. And I loved Charles at that time as well, so I actually switched to 14.”

https://Twitter.com/NBA/status/1714374630444531829?s=20

Barkley averaged an impressive 18 points in the 92 Olympics, that too shooting above 70% from the field. Moreover, he was the highest scorer with Jordan, Bird, Johnson, and many more legends on the team. Now you know why Nowitzki chose Barkley!?

However, if you are still wondering why the? 2007 NBA MVP wore 41 instead of 14, here’s why.?

Why did Dirk Nowitzki pick 41 instead of 14??

Like every other NBA player, Nowitzki had rookie difficulties too. When the German joined the Mavericks, former Dallas star Robert Pack wore 14. Well, he was not ready to sacrifice his jersey number for a rookie.?

Former superstar Nowitzki shared, “Actually I was going to take 14 in Dallas, but Robert Pack at that time had 14, and he didn’t want to give the number up to a rookie, so I ended up flipping the numbers, and then it became 41.”

And the rest, as they say, is history. What are your thoughts on this above story? Share your take in the comments below.?

Watch this story: “Taking up new NBA role after 42 glorious years, Coach K detailed NCAA shortcomings”