As Kobe Bryant prepares to go where Jared Allen headed last week, another aging sports icon approaches the end of his career, symbolizing both the end of a prolific run and mortality of all athletes.
No doubt, Dirk Nowitzki - who turns 38 in four months - has watched how Bryant's farewell tour has unfolded this season, and while "The Black Mamba" deserves every ounce of adulation bestowed upon him, the glitz and glamour may not necessarily mesh with the seven-foot German's hopes for his own swan song.
Although he has gone on the record, stating that he does not yearn for celebrations everywhere he goes once he's decided to call it quits, Nowitzki's boss, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, begs to differ.
"Bulls--t! Bulls--t, bulls--t, bulls--t, bulls--t, bulls--t, bulls--t!" the 57-year-old billionaire proclaimed.
"Yeah, he loves that little wave when he comes out and passes a milestone. He loves it. LOOOVES IT! I don’t care what he says. ‘I don’t like going to the All-Star Games. I don’t want a farewell tour.’ He loves it!"
Related: Nowitzki becomes 6th player in NBA history to score 29,000 career points
Which party is speaking the truth? Perhaps we'll never know.
For now, hoop heads far and wide should cherish the legendary power forward - who ranks sixth all-time in scoring - for the remainder of his playing days.
After all, before long we may soon be saying "auf wiedersehen" to No. 41.
