Ballzy

He didn't want it to be this way, but Dirk Nowitzki's 21st NBA season quickly evolved into a long, heartfelt public goodbye. Tributes poured in, as did thoughtful opinions about Nowitzki's legacy. His career was widely eulogized, often in past tense. Reporters and fans live-tweeted the funeral, even though, clearly, Nowitzki's career wasn't yet dead. True to his personality, Nowitzki not only never complained, but he often spoke during his career's wake, usually with humor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices