It was the second-to-last day in August, almost three months ago, that J.J. Barea filmed Dirk Nowitzki at the Mavericks practice facility and posted the video onto his social media platforms. Nowitzki, naturally, was messing around. He started inside the 3-point arc, whipped the ball around his back, and finished with what could be generously described as a double-clutch dunk, but more accurately should be referred to as a miracle. His dribble move – if you can call it that – must have pained God Shammgod, the legendary dribbler and Mavericks assistant coach, in the background watching it happen.



The internet, of course, loved it. It was Nowitzki acting goofy, the rare superstar who can pull off self-deprecating humor without appearing insincere. No one actually talked about the dunk itself, beyond expressing relief. Nowitzki may be 40 years old, and may have been coming off ankle surgery months previously, but he must feel good if he’s dunking the...